Jon B. Gould

Jon B. Gould is a professor of justice and rule of law at American University and founding dean of the School of Public Affairs. He specializes in constitutional law, civil liberties, and the intersection of law and society. Gould's research focuses on free speech, hate speech regulation, and the practical implementation of constitutional principles. He has examined how legal theories translate into real-world applications, particularly in cases involving speech restrictions and civil rights enforcement. His academic work spans multiple disciplines, combining legal scholarship with empirical research methods. Gould has published extensively on topics related to constitutional law and public policy, contributing to debates about the balance between free expression and protecting marginalized groups from harmful speech. He holds positions at both American University's Washington College of Law and the School of Public Affairs, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to legal and policy questions.

Readers of "Speak No Evil" appreciate Gould's thorough research and data-driven approach to analyzing hate speech regulation. Many reviewers note the book's comprehensive examination of how hate speech laws function in practice across different jurisdictions and institutions. Readers find value in Gould's empirical methodology, particularly his use of surveys and interviews to understand how speech codes are actually implemented and enforced. Several reviews highlight the book's balanced perspective on a contentious topic, with readers noting that Gould presents evidence rather than advocating for a particular position. Some readers criticize the book's academic tone and dense presentation of data, finding it difficult to follow for general audiences. Others express disappointment that the book focuses more on describing existing policies rather than offering clear recommendations for reform. A few reviewers note that while the research is thorough, the conclusions feel tentative and don't provide definitive answers to questions about the effectiveness of hate speech regulation.