NETIAS Constructive Advanced Thinking Grant, 2020-2025
Team members: Alberto Godioli (University of Groningen, Principal Investigator), Vicky Breemen (Utrecht University), Andrew Bricker (Ghent University), Ana Pedrazzini (Conicet – Comahue National University), Tjeerd Royaards (Cartoon Movement)
Project Description:
Due to its inherent ambiguity and elusiveness, humor can make it particularly difficult to draw a line between lawful and unlawful expression. This is particularly evident in the case of cartoons or other comparable forms of predominantly visual humor (such as memes), whose high degree of implicitness and condensation generates specific interpretive challenges. How can judges deal with the ambiguity of visual humor, i.e. the fact that the same cartoon or meme can be interpreted in different ways by different people? And to what extent can the author/cartoonist be considered responsible for different (reasonable) interpretations?
The ‘Cartoons in Court’ team aims to tackle these questions by working organically on the following interconnected strands: 1) Interdisciplinary analysis of court decisions regarding cartoons and other forms of visual humor (especially in defamation or incitement cases); 2) Corpus-assisted investigation of different forms of ambiguity in cartoons; 3) Historical perspective on cartoon controversies; 4) Interviews with cartoonists and legal professionals. Throughout the project, the research team will work in close collaboration with stakeholders such as Cartoonists Rights, Cartooning for Peace and other free speech organizations.
In October 2025, the Cartoons in Court team will launch a traveling exhibition titled Designed to Provoke: Visual Humour in Court, 1749–2025. More information will soon be available here!