United States Constitution

The Free Press Clause protects the rights of individuals to publish ideas and information without interference from the government. The importance of a free press cannot be understated: the press reports on the government as well as national and local affairs. Without that reporting, citizens would not be informed and could not properly make decisions like who or what to vote for. The Free Press Clause is intertwined with the Free Speech Clause, yet also is a distinct fundamental right. Despite its application to traditional news and media outlets, this right is also an individual fundamental right. The press is considered any form of publication which acts as a ‘vehicle’ for expressing information or opinion. This has been extended to a wide variety of traditional media, such as newspapers, yet also to newer forms of media such as television and video games.