Provisions
I.8 proposed for 1916 • Freedom of speech and press; evidence in libel cases.
REJECTED
The Text
Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact.
A Few Facts
• Has 102 words
• Was proposed by the Constitutional Convention
• Went to NYS voters as proposed amendment 4 of 1915
If New Yorkers voted to approve this provision, it would have:
• Joined the Constitution in 1916
• Been in Article I: Civil rights
• Re-upped the text of a previously existing provision
• Amended or built on:
◦ 1895-I.8
Credits
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