Freedom of the Press
Definition
The right for journalists and media outlets to publish news and information free from government control and censorship.
Analogy
Consider freedom of press as having access to all channels on your TV. You can switch between news, sports, movies, and documentaries without anyone blocking certain channels or controlling what you should watch.
Related terms
Prior Restraint: Government action that prevents speech or other expression before it can take place.
Libel: A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.
Shield Laws: Laws that protect journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources in court.
"Freedom of the Press" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (4)
- Which describes the main reason we have freedom of the press in a democratic society?
- Which is a Supreme Court case that addressed freedom of the press?
- Which statement best describes the significance of the Pentagon Papers in relation to freedom of the press?
- How did New York Times Co.v. United States (1971) ruling impact freedom of the press?
Resources
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