26-05-2025
When truth isn't a defence — Joseph Howe's courageous fight for a free press
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In this NP Comment video, the Post's Terry Newman speaks with Trent University Canadian studies professor Christopher Dummitt about his new video series, 'Well, That Didn't Suck!'
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Dummitt set out to create a series of videos on Canadian history that would make sense to people who have grown up on social media — including YouTube, Tiktok and Instagram, which is where you can find his short history lessons. Essentially, the short Canadian history series finds audiences where they are.
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The first lesson, 'The Price of the Truth,' is about government corruption and the importance of the free press. It tells the story of Joseph Howe, who, in addition to being a politician and poet, was the sole editor and owner of the Novascotian.
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Howe published an anonymous letter accusing local police and politicians of stealing public money, resulting in him being charged with seditious libel.
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Unfortunately, the truth alone wasn't a defence at the time. Unable to find anyone willing to defend him, Howe defended himself. In a six-hour speech, he urged the jurors to 'leave an unshackled press as a legacy to your children.' Even though the judge advised jurors that it was their duty to return a guilty verdict, they ignored the judge and the law, finding Howe not guilty after a mere 10 minutes of deliberation.
