I’ve been noticing this buzzword lately, and wondered whence it came.
Apparently it was first published in 1975 in a publication about mediation, then in 2001 it was resurrected in a publication by the military, describing law as a form of military weapon. Admittedly, not how it is used today.
Today it is generally used by one political group taking legal action against another group. Obviously this was done before 1975, so what was it called then?
‘Political prosecution’, is the most widely used term back then. Compare the two phrases and I think you will be surprised at the result.
Some buzzwords save space by leaving out the very thing you need to know. With lawfare, ask for the verb. Did someone prosecute, sue, or seek an injunction? Once you name the action, you can ask what evidence there is for the motive.
‘Lawfare’ actually deadens the action, we don’t think about getting specifics, we seem satisfied that there is just a fight going on.
‘Political prosecution’ on the other hand is loaded with questions. Who is suing who? What is the evidence? Why At this time?
I’m all in favor of forming new words in order to be more clear. I’m not in favor of words that blur concepts.
About johndiestler
Retired community college professor of graphic design, multimedia and photography, and chair of the fine arts and media department.
Lawfare
I’ve been noticing this buzzword lately, and wondered whence it came.
Apparently it was first published in 1975 in a publication about mediation, then in 2001 it was resurrected in a publication by the military, describing law as a form of military weapon. Admittedly, not how it is used today.
Today it is generally used by one political group taking legal action against another group. Obviously this was done before 1975, so what was it called then?
‘Political prosecution’, is the most widely used term back then. Compare the two phrases and I think you will be surprised at the result.
Some buzzwords save space by leaving out the very thing you need to know. With lawfare, ask for the verb. Did someone prosecute, sue, or seek an injunction? Once you name the action, you can ask what evidence there is for the motive.
‘Lawfare’ actually deadens the action, we don’t think about getting specifics, we seem satisfied that there is just a fight going on.
‘Political prosecution’ on the other hand is loaded with questions. Who is suing who? What is the evidence? Why At this time?
I’m all in favor of forming new words in order to be more clear. I’m not in favor of words that blur concepts.
Share this:
About johndiestler
Retired community college professor of graphic design, multimedia and photography, and chair of the fine arts and media department.