§ 8. Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel.
106 words·~1 min read·
/ny/constitution/bill-of-rights/8·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§ 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.