Freedom of Speech and Press; Libel

N.M. Const. art. II, § 17 — under Bill of Rights.

N.M. Const. art. II, § 17

Freedom of Speech and Press; Libel

Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted.[1]