Freedom of Press

History of Press Freedom* Year 1735, cornerstone of American Press freedom*John Peter Zenger *Lawyer Andrew Hamilton

Year 1791, 15 of December

*Virginia ratify the Bill of right

*First Amendment to U.S Constitution “ congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom of speech or the press.”

Year 1798, 14 of July

*Under threat of war with France

*Federalist-controlled Congress

*Sedition Act-allows a fine punishment = $2000 / 2 Years prison

*False, scandalous, and malicious writing

*Although the press freedom is guaranteed by First Amendment

* Fight in the court and debated of public opinion for what extent that right is protected

Restriction of Press

*Punishment for printed material

* Censorship / Mandatory licensing