The Struggle for Press Freedom

This chapter examines the historical evolution of press freedom in the United States, emphasizing its constitutional guarantees alongside practical challenges. It highlights key historical figures and events, including John Peter Zenger's trial and Sweden's Freedom of the Press Act, to showcase the ongoing tension between governmental authority and the need for a transparent press. Additionally, the chapter discusses the ideological shift brought about by early essayists and the implications of the Sedition Act of 1798 on press freedom and political power dynamics.