A Treatise Concerning Political Enquiry and the Liberty of the Press

Wortman, Tunis. A Treatise Concerning Political Enquiry, and the Liberty of the Press. New York: Printed by George Forman for the Author, 1800. xii, 296 pp. Reprinted 2003 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN 1-58477-290-5. Cloth. $95. * A logical presentation of his political philosophy promoting freedom of expression, the work advocates the integral role of government and a free press in efforts to achieve a society in which freedom of speech is an inherent right and activity. Published soon after the first amendment to the Constitution was ratified, the work can be seen as an evolution of Jefferson's and Madison's proposal of freedom of speech. Wortman's treatise, however, achieves a moral and ethical analysis of government and free speech beyond their original appeal for freedom of the press. Wortman [d. 1822] was a New York lawyer, author, newspaper publisher and orator prominent in Tammany politics. He is also known for his political tracts, one of which, A Solemn Address to Christians and Patriots, defended Jefferson against charges of atheism prior to the election of 1800.Tunis Wortman is the author of 'A Treatise Concerning Political Enquiry and the Liberty of the Press' with ISBN 9781584772903 and ISBN 1584772905.