Consequence Quote by William Blackstone
“The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state: but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public: to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequence of his own temerity.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1765
Press freedom means no prior censorship, but publishing harmful or illegal content carries responsibility.
In simple terms: No prior censorship, but illegal content is punishable.
Key Takeaway
Publish responsibly, accept consequences.
Themes
freedom
responsibility
law
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- social media
- political commentary
- academic publishing
Key Concepts
Legal theory
media ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should speech be limited?
- How to enforce consequences fairly?
A Different Perspective
Balancing free speech with public safety is difficult.
![“That this liberty [of the press] is often carried to excess; that it has sometimes degenerated into licentiousness, is seen and lamented, but the remedy has not yet been discovered. Perhaps it is an evil inseparable from the good with which it is allied; perhaps it is a shoot which cannot be…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/52f/james-madison-373_america_that-this-liberty-of-the-press-is-often_908560.jpg)
![“Trial by jury is a privilege of the highest and most beneficial nature [and] our most important guardian both of public and private liberty. The liberties of England cannot but subsist so long as this palladium remains sacred and inviolate, not only from all open attacks, ... but also from all…” quote by William Blackstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f63/william-blackstone-14453_beneficial_trial-by-jury-is-a-privilege-of-the-high_211262.jpg)
