Sir William Blackstone

#OTD, July 8, 1889, the “Wall Street Journal” begins publishing. “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech or of the press...” #FirstAmendment Sir William Blackstone said, “Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public.” Freedom of speech is essential in a society, for free debate leads to the correction of public errors. But Blackstone also warned that “if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequences of his temerity.” Freedom of speech comes with responsibilities. “The only security of all is in a free press. The force [...]