Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Rcfp: First Amendment Handbook: Freedom of the Press
Very informative page focusing on the guidelines for freedom of the press, the first amendment. Offers examples and tenets to follow. Geared towards professionals but also accessible to students.
Other
U.s. Diplomatic Mission to Germany: Media in the u.s.: Freedom of the Press
Extensive government web site focusing on Freedom of the Press in American history. Many links to video, podcasts, primary documents, text, and case studies are included.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Pentagon Papers Trial
When is the freedom of the press more important than classified foreign policy information? The Pentagon Papers Trial attempts to answer this constitutional quandary. Included in this site is a summary of the trial, the actual Pentagon...
Yale University
Avalon Project: Alien and Sedition Acts
This timeline provides links to the texts of the Alien and Sedition Acts, and the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions that protested them.
Boston College
Boston College: Gitlow v. New York
Complete syllabus and opinion of the Gitlow v. New York United States Supreme Court case.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: John Peter Zenger Trial
This is a comprehensive site from UMKC School of Law concerning the trial of John Peter Zenger. You can find just about any information you may need here, from the issues of The New York Weekly Journal to the trial record. Also of...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in Amer.: Civil Liberties: Safeguarding Individual
Do you understand what happens when there are disputes over the interpretation and protection of civil liberties as defined in the Bill of Rights? When do the rights of the individual trump the perceived needs of society, and when do...
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez: Gitlow v. New York
Brief resource presents the facts of the case, questions presented, and the conclusion of the Gitlow v. New York United States Supreme Court case.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
This resource provides information about the Joseph Burstyn v. Wilson Supreme Court case.
University of Maryland
Voices of Democracy: John F. Kennedy, "Address: "The President and Press" 1961
Read President John F. Kennedy's speech, "The President and the Press," which he delivered before the American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) on April 27, 1961. In this speech, he attempted to explain and justify the Bay of Pigs...
Other
Presidents & the Constitution: War: Commander in Chief
The President of the United States has many powers. This site provides an extensive overview on the President's role as Commander in Chief and includes a video.
Boston College
Boston College: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
Full-text edition of the entire decision in the Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case.
Boston College
Boston College: Branzburg v. Hayes
Full decision from the Branzburg v. Hayes United States Supreme Court case.
University of Oregon
University of Oregon: Renascence Editions: Regulation of the Press [Pdf]
At this site from the University of Oregon you can read Defoe's arguments for a free press as they were published in 1704.
PBS
Soldiers Without Swords: Treason? African Americans in World War Ii
Article describes the dilemma of African Americans during WWII, including legislation attempting to restrict the black press.
Other
Alton, Illinois: Elijah Parish Lovejoy
Biography on minister, journalist, and anti-slavery spokesperson Elijah Lovejoy, who was killed by a mob when he was 34. This well written bio focuses on the events on the night of his death.
Other
Baltimore Md: Mary Katherine Goddard
A brief and concise history of publisher and editor Mary Katherine Goddard. Goddard was an early activist and advocate of Freedom of the Press.
Other
Committee to Protect Journalists: Attacks on the Press 1999: Malaysia
A view of the authoritarian reputation of the Malaysian government as an example of the government's control of mass communications illustrated in their Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984. Read how this law is used to dominate...
Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Constitution Day Activities: Middle and High 2
What would life be like without the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition?
Read Works
Read Works: Don't Know Much About Liberty
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was adopted to protect each United States citizen's rights. Learn about how the Bill of Rights was formed and the protections it guarantees to Americans.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Gannett Co. V. De Pasquale (1979)
Complete Supreme Court opinion for Gannett Co. V. DePasquale.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: Trial of John Peter Zenger
Freedom of the press? That was not always an accepted right. Read about the trial of John Peter Zenger, who was accused of libel for printing truths about the royal governor of New York. Find out the outcome of the trial and what it...
Digital History
Digital History: The Emergence of New Ideas About Personal Liberties
American colonists expected to have "English rights" as supported by the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. See how these rights were applied in the trial of John Peter Zenger, whose acquittal reflected the right of freedom of...