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Editorial
April 5, 1770
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial contrasts lenient English treatment of 'Junius' letters on libels with harsh colonial prosecution of 'Son of Liberty' piece, for which Captain M'Dougall is imprisoned, questioning Star Chamber doctrine's impact on press liberty.
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The paper signed: Junius, which has been published in Boston, Philadelphia, and this city, has also been reprinted in the South Carolina Gazette of the 19th of February last, from the St. James's Chronicle of December 1st. At the bottom of that paper it is observed "that the opinion of four of the first counsel in the kingdom was taken on that letter before it was committed to the press."
No prosecution has as yet been set on foot against the author or publisher of that paper. How different is the conduct and opinion of the government at home, with regard to libels, from the conduct and opinion of some people among us! This conduct seems to show us that the Star Chamber doctrine relative to libels is not conceived in England to be as unfriendly to the liberty of the press as it is dangerous to the rights of the people.
Quere. Is or is not the piece lately published here, signed Son of Liberty, for which Captain M'Dougall suffers imprisonment, more than a common libel, when Junius's letters are printed in one of the most notorious papers in England unnoticed?
No prosecution has as yet been set on foot against the author or publisher of that paper. How different is the conduct and opinion of the government at home, with regard to libels, from the conduct and opinion of some people among us! This conduct seems to show us that the Star Chamber doctrine relative to libels is not conceived in England to be as unfriendly to the liberty of the press as it is dangerous to the rights of the people.
Quere. Is or is not the piece lately published here, signed Son of Liberty, for which Captain M'Dougall suffers imprisonment, more than a common libel, when Junius's letters are printed in one of the most notorious papers in England unnoticed?
What sub-type of article is it?
Press Freedom
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
Press Freedom
Libels
Junius Letters
Son Of Liberty
Star Chamber Doctrine
Prosecution
What entities or persons were involved?
Junius
Captain M'dougall
Son Of Liberty
Star Chamber
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Comparison Of Libel Prosecutions In England And Colonies
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Colonial Libel Enforcement, Supportive Of Press Liberty
Key Figures
Junius
Captain M'dougall
Son Of Liberty
Star Chamber
Key Arguments
Junius Letters Published Without Prosecution In England
Opinion Of Top Counsel Taken Before Junius Publication
English Government Tolerant Of Libels Unlike Colonial Authorities
Star Chamber Doctrine Not Seen As Threat To Press In England
'Son Of Liberty' Piece Not More Libelous Than Junius Letters