-
1215
Magna Carta is Written
After abuses by King John of England a rebellion is started by nobles. This resulted in the drafting of the Magna Carta, a document guaranteeing the rights of all Englishmen. Though not the first instance of personal freedom in civilization, it was the first clear and written instance. -
Massachusetts Adopts Body of Liberties
The Massachusetts General Court adopts the first broad statement of American liberties such as right to petition and speak against due process in the Massachusetts Body of Liberties. -
Rhode Island Charter Grants Religious Freedom
After decades of immigration to the new world due to religious persecution the New Charter of Rhode Island grants religious freedom. Other colonies eventually over time pass their own versions of this. -
Crown v. John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger, a publisher from New York, tried in court for libel against the Royal Governor of Massachusetts, William S. Cosby. Zenger's lawyer, Scottish-born Andrew Hamilton, was widely regarded as the best lawyer in the colonies. Despite expectations Zenger was found not guilty. This trial founded the idea of a jury declaring a publication as defamatory or seditious. -
Virginia Adopts Declaration of Rights
The Virginia House of Burgesses passes the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This was first Bill of Rights adopted by a state constitution. -
Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress writes and sends it to King George III in London. By doing this the Continental Congress declares the United States of America its own country independent from Britain. American later wins its independence in 1783. -
Virginia Adopts Ordinance of Religious Freedom
By doing so the state of Virginia disestablished the Anglican Church as the head church of Virginia. This also prohibited harassment based on Religious beliefs. This law was pushed through by founding father and future president, Thomas Jefferson. -
Bill of Rights is Ratified
With the approval of Virginia, the 11th state to do so, the Bill of Rights was passed as the first 10 amendments of the US Constitution. -
Sedition Act of 1798 Expires
Congress lets the Sedition Act of 1798, passed by President John Adams, expire. President Thomas Jefferson pardons all those convicted by it for "libel". -
Lincoln Restricts Freedom of Press
President Abraham Lincoln orders Generals Ambrose Burnside and John A. Dix to suspend and suppress the publishing of papers such as the Chicago Times, The New York Committee, and the New York World. The president later withdraws these orders. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
School teacher John Scopes is charged with violating a law prohibiting the teaching of the Theory of Evolution. This trial captured national attention and put famous speaker William Jennings Bryant against defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Scopes was eventually found guilty. -
Office of Censorship is Created
Congress passes a Bill created by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to create the Office of Censorship.This emergency war act allowed all communication coming in out the US to be monitored. The office was dissolved in 1945.
