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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Virginia House of Burgesses passes the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This was first Bill of Rights adopted by a state constitution.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Congress lets the Sedition Act of 1798, passed by President John Adams, expire. President Thomas Jefferson pardons all those convicted by it for "libel".
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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.
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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.
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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.
