Abuse Quote by Charles Evans Hughes
“But it is recognized that punishment for the abuse of the liberty accorded to the press is essential to the protection of the public, and that the common law rules that subject the libeler to responsibility for the public offense, as well as for the private injury, are not abolished by the protection extended in our constitutions. The law of criminal libel rests upon that secure foundation. There is also the conceded authority of courts to punish for contempt when publications directly tend to prevent the proper discharge of judicial functions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Freedom of the Press, United States Supreme Court, 1914
Punishment for press abuse protects public interest; libel law holds publishers accountable for both public and private harms.
In simple terms: Press abuse must be punished to protect the public.
Key Takeaway
Enforce libel laws to safeguard society.
Themes
press freedom
law
public interest
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- journalism
- legal proceedings
- media regulation
- court oversight
Key Concepts
libel
contempt
judicial integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies balance press freedom with accountability?
- When does regulation become censorship?
A Different Perspective
Balancing free speech with accountability can suppress legitimate criticism.
