Statute · New York Constitution
N.Y. Const. art. I, § 8 — Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel
N.Y. Const. art. I, § 8
- Type
- Statute
- Source
- New York Constitution
- Jurisdiction
- New York
- Current through
- Nov 4, 2026 (NY Senate Open Legislation)
§ 8. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his or her sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth…
Citator
N.Y. Const. art. I, § 8 — Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel is in force in the current edition of the Code, and nothing recorded condemns it.
§ 8. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his or her sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact.