Freedom of press in the courts of the portuguese nation: speeches and representations of ecclesiastical members

Abstract

The present article proposes to reflect the political-ideological presence of the ecclesiastical deputies in the Portuguese Courts of 1821-1823 in which the subject of freedom of the press concerns. It will be sought, therefore, by a close observance of their parliamentary speeches, to demonstrate how their contribution was important to the legal regulation of freedom of the Press in Portugal, as well as to discover what representation they had in one of the longest debates and controversial issues (whose various points on the subject in question, such as the defense or condemnation of the previous Censorship or how to judge possible abuses against the State or against religion, motivated the clear demarcation of antagonistic positions) which the Constituent Assembly met.