Freedom(S) of the Press in Latin America

Abstract

This study documents the emergence of the societal right to freedom of the press in the international human rights law of Latin America. Relying on legal research and analysis methodology, this article examines cases from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that address press freedom vis-a-vis prior restraints, desacato laws, violent attacks on journalists and mandatory colegio membership for journalists. The study concludes that the societal right to a free press, like the individual right, is a guarantee against governmental intrusion in the free flow of information and ideas necessary in a democracy.