Changing Unjust Laws Justly

As you may be aware, the majority of good pro-life books are not easily available in the UK, but as of 29 June 2005 a new book has been produced by Colin Harte in the UK entitled 'Changing Unjust Laws Justly'.  It is published in the US and is available here and in the States.  Colin is a long time pro-lifer.

Alison Davis, a prominent pro-lifer says this about the book:

"A book of this type would normally receive only one or two endorsements before publication.  I recently had a look at the website of the book's publisher, Catholic University of America Press and saw that it has been updated, and that it is now listing five very positive endorsements for the book.  They are from well-respected Professors of Law, Ethics and Philosophy from England, the United States, Rome and Poland.

I have been aware of the development of Changing Unjust Laws Justly for some time.  Its argument is fresh, clear, consistent, compelling -- and challenging.  The positive endorsements it is receiving show that others also recognise that it is an exceptional book.  The endorsers describe the book as "a wake-up call" for the pro-life movement, and say it is remarkable, important, meticulously researched and argued, and well worth reading and pondering.  They recognise that the book is the fruit of the author’s many years of dedicated pro-life service, and appeal to everyone across the pro-life spectrum to pay attention to the book.

Here is what they say:

• “In his remarkable book, Colin Harte considers the question of supporting laws to restrict abortion.  Though restrictive abortion laws may save lives, Harte argues that they are unjust and a violation of solidarity with the most vulnerable of the unborn.  His arguments merit serious consideration.”
  — Tadeusz Styczen, S.D.S., Professor of Ethics, John Paul II Institute, Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
   
• “Changing Unjust Laws Justly is an important book that challenges some of the central policy positions of the pro-life movement.  It is nothing less than a wake-up call to those academics and activists who have forgotten that the intrinsic justice of a law is at the heart of one’s proper attitude to it.  Harte is meticulous in his research and painstaking in his argument.  It is to be hoped that his book provokes a long-overdue reassessment of where the pro-life movement currently stands and of the direction in which it should be heading.”
  — David S. Oderberg, Professor of Philosophy, University of Reading, England
   
• “Harte’s argument breaks open the underlying philosophical issues of voting for imperfect legislation like no treatment in favor of so voting could ever do.  For this reason, even if one cannot always go along with his interpretation of Church teaching or his understanding of the nature of such voting, his book is well worth reading and pondering.”
  — Kevin L. Flannery, S.J., Professor of Philosophy, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome
   
• “Harte's provocative book forcefully tackles one of the key issues facing the pro-life movement.  His book is a sophisticated rejection of the incremental approach to achieving full legal protection for the unborn.  The book is informed by his many years of thinking and writing about the underlying moral issues and by his many years of dedicated work on the front-lines of pro-life activism.  Even those who disagree with Harte's conclusions will profit from engaging his arguments.”
  — Richard S. Myers, Professor of Law, Ave Maria School of Law, Michigan
   
• “Harte has set himself against the prevailing view among pro-life advocates regarding support for ‘imperfect’ abortion legislation.  If one is to judge an argument by its consistency and cogency, and not by the number of its exponents, one must admit that Harte has made a strong case.  People throughout the pro-life spectrum should pay attention to this book.”
  — Jaroslaw Merecki, S.D.S., Professor of Philosophy, Lateran University, Rome
   

In short, Changing Unjust Laws Justly is highly recommended.  These endorsements and other information about the book are on the CUA Press website.  I encourage all pro-life activists and academics to order a copy of the book — for themselves, and for the libraries of their communities, pro-life groups, academic institutions, etc.

To order the book: In the U.K. and Europe, please contact: Eurospan University Press Group, 3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8LU Tel: 44 (0)20 7240-0856;   Fax: 44 (0)20 7379-0609 www.eurospanonline.com All other orders, please contact: Hopkins Fulfillment Service, PO Box 50370, Baltimore, MD 21211 Tel: 1-800-537-5487;   Fax: 410-516-6998; http://cuapress.cua.edu/BOOKS/sales.htm; Email: Contact information: Beth Benevides, Marketing Manager, CUA Press, Tel: 202-319-5052; Email: The book can also be ordered online at Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com