Criticism of government finds sanctuary in several portions of the 1st Amendment. It is part of the right of free speech. It embraces freedom of the press
Hugo BlackRead
The Press was protected so that it could bare the secrets of the government and inform the people. Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government. And paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A free press is essential for democracy as it ensures government transparency and accountability.
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in a democratic society, where it serves not only to uncover government secrets but also to act as a watchdog against deception. It underscores the responsibility of the press to inform the public accurately, thus enabling citizens to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.
Themes
PressFreedomGovernmentTransparencyAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on media ethics during a journalism conference.
More from Hugo Black
All quotes →Loyalty must arise spontaneously from the hearts of people who love their country and respect their government.
Hugo BlackRead
Paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell.
Hugo BlackRead
The public welfare demands that constitutional cases must be decided according to the terms of the Constitution itself, and not according to judges views of fairness, reasonableness, or justice. I have no fear of constitutional amendments properly adopted, but I do fear the rewriting of the Constitution by judges under the guise of interpretation.
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It is my belief that there are "absolutes" in our Bill of Rights, and that they were put there on purpose by men who knew what words meant and meant their prohibitions to be "absolutes."
Hugo BlackRead
Words uttered under coercion are proof of loyalty to nothing but self-interest. Love of country must spring from willing hearts and free minds.
Hugo BlackRead
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