1. Freedom of Press

2. * Year 1735, cornerstone of American
Press freedom
*John Peter Zenger
*Lawyer Andrew Hamilton

3. 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.”

4. Year 1798, 14 of July
*Under threat of war with France
*Federalist-controlled Congress
*Sedition Act-allows a fine punishment
= $2000 / 2 Years prison

5. *False, scandalous, and malicious
writing

6. *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

7. Restriction of Press
*Punishment for printed material
* Censorship / Mandatory licensing