I think that it is high time that we remembered; that the Constitution, as amended, speaks not only of the freedom of speech but also of trial by jury instead of trial by accusation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The Constitution guarantees not only free speech but also the right to a trial by jury rather than trial by accusation.
- In plain terms
- Our law protects speech and the right to a fair jury trial.
- What can you take from it?
- Remember both speech freedom and jury trials as constitutional rights.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is jury trial emphasized alongside free speech?
- How can citizens protect these rights today?
Another view
Interpretations of the Constitution can vary over time.
More from Margaret Chase Smith
My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with f…
Permalink to quote #1 I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as…
Permalink to quote #3 The United States Senate has long enjoyed worldwide respect as the greatest deliberative body in the world. But recently that deliberative character has too of…
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
The First Amendment is often inconvenient. But that is beside the point. Inconvenience does not absolve the government of its obligation to tolerate speech.
Anthony KennedyAnthony Kennedy quote #4 I have many things to say. My every right, constitutional, civil, political and judicial has been tramped upon. I have not only had no jury of my peers, but I …
Susan B. AnthonySusan B. Anthony quote #17 An act against the Constitution is void; an act against natural equity is void.
James OtisJames Otis quote #1