---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What is the Liberty of the Press? Who can…"
description: "\"“What is the Liberty of the Press? Who can give it any definition which does not leave the utmost latitude for evasion? I hold it to be impracticable a..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/737/david-alan-corbin-113650_public-opinion_what-is-the-liberty-of-the-press-who-can_618025.jpg"
---

#  What is the Liberty of the Press? Who can give it any…

![“What is the Liberty of the Press? Who can give it any definition which does not leave the utmost latitude for evasion? I hold it to be impracticable and from this I infer, that its security, whatever fine declarations may be inserted in any Constitution respecting it, must altogether depend on…” quote by David Alan Corbin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/737/david-alan-corbin-113650_public-opinion_what-is-the-liberty-of-the-press-who-can_618025.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/737/david-alan-corbin-113650_public-opinion_what-is-the-liberty-of-the-press-who-can_618025.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/737/david-alan-corbin-113650_public-opinion_what-is-the-liberty-of-the-press-who-can_618025.jpg)

> ““What is the Liberty of the Press? Who can give it any definition which does not leave the utmost latitude for evasion? I hold it to be impracticable and from this I infer, that its security, whatever fine declarations may be inserted in any Constitution respecting it, must altogether depend on public opinion, and on the general spirit of the people and of the Government.” —Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist LXXXIV””

[David Alan Corbin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-alan-corbin/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Freedom of the press depends on public opinion and the spirit of the people; constitutional guarantees are insufficient alone.

**In simple terms:** Press liberty rests on public sentiment, not just law.

Key Takeaway

Foster an engaged, informed citizenry.

Themes

press freedom constitution public opinion democracy

Mood

civic concerned

Type

constitutional analysis political commentary

When to use this quote

- journalism
- public policy
- education
- activism

Key Concepts

civic education media literacy

Questions to Reflect On

- How can citizens protect press freedom?
- What role does public opinion play in democracy?

A Different Perspective

Legal protections can be hollow without active public support.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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