Changes

The American concept of verbal freedom contrasted sharply with that of England and other monarchies of the time, where to make a disloyal public statement was punished as [[treason]]. [[Communist]] countries in modern times, likewise, define as treason or [[sedition]] any criticism of government policy. Not so in America.

The American concept of verbal freedom contrasted sharply with that of England and other monarchies of the time, where to make a disloyal public statement was punished as [[treason]]. [[Communist]] countries in modern times, likewise, define as treason or [[sedition]] any criticism of government policy. Not so in America.

In 1734, John Peter Zenger, the owner of the New York Weekly Journal, published a series of articles critical of the royal governor of New York. Zenger was charged with criminal libel. At trial, the defense showed that the criticisms of the governor were true, and argued that no one should be punished for truthful criticism of public officials. The jury found Zenger “not guilty.” Ever since, the case has stood as an early American assertion that freedom of speech is, and ought to be, a principle of law. [http://usinfo.state.gov/dd/democracy_dialogues/freedom_speech/free_speech_essay.html]

In 1734, [[John Peter Zenger]], the owner of the New York Weekly Journal, published a series of articles critical of the royal governor of New York. Zenger was charged with criminal libel. At trial, the defense showed that the criticisms of the governor were true, and argued that no one should be punished for truthful criticism of public officials. The jury found Zenger “not guilty.” Ever since, the case has stood as an early American assertion that freedom of speech is, and ought to be, a principle of law. [http://usinfo.state.gov/dd/democracy_dialogues/freedom_speech/free_speech_essay.html]

In some circumstances, freedom of speech can be criticized for its allowing to spread dangerous lies that ultimately harm our values. "[[McCarthyism]]" was justified by the imminent [[communist]] threat on [[America]].

In some circumstances, freedom of speech can be criticized for its allowing to spread dangerous lies that ultimately harm our values. "[[McCarthyism]]" was justified by the imminent [[communist]] threat on [[America]].