Introduction

This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book begins with a review of the main philosophical arguments used to justify a free speech principle. It then discusses an examination of the history and operation of the D-Notice system in the United Kingdom (UK). This commences with the political background leading to the introduction of the system and continues by closely following its development and charting the major events that have taken place until the present day. The book then examines the legal protection of sensitive material, starting with the use of the criminal law in the UK This involves a detailed look at the Official Secrets Acts passed between 1911 and 1989. Finally, the book helps the readers to gain a better understanding of whom or what balances the competing public interests in suppression or disclosure.