freedom in a state; it ought not, therefore, to be restrained in this
Republic.
The printing press shall be free to every person who undertakes to
examine the proceedings of the Legislature, or any branch of government;
and no law shall ever be made to restrain the rights thereof. The free
communication of thoughts and opinions, is one of the invaluable rights
of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write and print, on any
subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
In prosecutions, for the publication of papers, investigating the
official conduct of officers, or men in a public capacity, or where the
matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may
be given in evidence. And in all indictments for libels the jury shall
have the right to determine the law and the facts, under the directions
of the courts; as in other cases.