Tickler : I hate novelties. Is the prosecution mania about…
““ Tickler : I hate novelties. Is the prosecution mania about to subside, think you? Now-a-days, every word is said to be actionable. You cannot open your mouth, or put pen to paper, without feeing a libel-lawyer. An Edinburgh Whig, and really some of the London ones seem no better, is an animal without a skin. [The Whigs] have entered into a cowardly compact to prosecute every syllable that shall ever be written against any one of their degraded and slanderous selves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques over‑regulation of speech, likening it to a skinless animal vulnerable to attack.
In simple terms: Excessive legal threats stifle free expression.
Key Takeaway
Guard against censorship.
Themes
speech
law
freedom
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analysis
warning
When to use this quote
- journalism
- academic writing
- online forums
Key Concepts
libel
censorship
political pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What balances free speech and protection?
- How can writers navigate legal risks?
A Different Perspective
Legal protections vary by jurisdiction.