A controversy is an opinion or opinions over which parties are actively arguing. Controversies can range from private disputes between two to large scale disagreements. Benford's law of controversy, as expressed by science-fiction author Gregory Benford in 1980, states "Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available."

Present-day areas of controversy include religion, politics, art, war, property, social class, taxes, and most recently in sports. Controversy in matters of theology has traditionally been particularly heated, giving rise to odium theologicum.

In law

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In jurisprudence, a controversy differs from a case. While the latter includes all suits, criminal as well as civil, a controversy is a purely civil proceeding. For example, the Constitution of the United States states that "the judicial Power shall extend to ... Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party" (Article 3, Section 2). The meaning to be attached to the word Controversy in the constitution is that given above.

More on [ Controversy ]

NPR Topics: Politics & Society

Oregon and Kentucky: Next Stop for the Democrats
Mon, 19 May 2008 17:43:00 -0400
On the eve of the Kentucky and Oregon primaries, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is looking toward the general election and making jabs at GOP opponent and Arizona Sen. John McCain. New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, continues to fight for delegates and promises to remain in the race.
Wars Hard on State Dept., Defense Chief Says
Mon, 19 May 2008 16:54:00 -0400
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expressing concern that the State Department has become stretched too thin by the diplomatic demands of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Gates is arguing for more resources for Foggy Bottom.
High Court Upholds Broad Child Porn Law
Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:00 -0400
The Supreme Court has upheld a provision of a 2003 federal law making it a crime to promote child pornography — even fake child pornography. Opponents said the law was too broad and could apply to mainstream movies that depict adolescent sex.

The Talk of the Town

The Free-Trade Paradox
James Surowiecki Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 -0000
All the acrimony in the primary race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has disguised the fact that on most issues they’re not too far apart. That’s especially the case when it comes to free trade, which both Obama and Clinton have lambasted over the past few months. At times . . .
Power Hour
Lauren Collins Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Anecdotally, powerful people seem inclined to do certain things (FedEx their luggage, order off the menu, keep immaculate desks) and not to do others (place their own calls, carry cash, learn how to e-mail, admit to sleeping). To academics, one of the best indicators of a person’s place in . . .
In McCain’s Court
Jeffrey Toobin Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Successful politicians know how to attract attention, and how to avoid it, so it’s worth noting that John McCain chose to give his speech about the future of the judiciary on May 6th, a day when the political world was preoccupied with the Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina . . .

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