Article 3, Section 13. Freedom of speech and press; libel.
The freedom of speech and of the press shall be held sacred; and in all prosecutions for libel the truth may be given in evidence, and the jury shall determine the law and the facts under the direction of the court; 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.
SOURCES: 1817 art I §§ 6, 7 and 8; 1832 art I §§ 6, 7 and 8; 1869 art I § 4.