Swedish Law on the Freedom of Printing

Background. Freedom of the press is the principle that published communication should be exercised freely, implying no or minimal government censorship or prior restraint, and is often protected by laws or constitutional provisions. Where such freedom is lacking, governments may require pre-publication approval or punish distribution of documents critical of the government.

Passage of the Law. The Swedish Freedom of the Press Act was introduced in 1766, due in part to Anders Chydenius, a classical liberal member of parliament and Ostrobothnian priest. The law abolished censorship and guaranteed freedom of the press, making Sweden the first country in the world to adopt a legally protected freedom of the press.

Limits and Constitutional Status. The act did not become inscribed in the constitution due to opposition from the nobility. Excepted and liable to prosecution under the 1766 act was only vocal opposition to the king and the Church of Sweden, leaving those two targets outside the law's protection.

Legacy. The Freedom of the Press Act (Tryckfrihetsförordningen) endures as one of Sweden's four fundamental laws forming the Constitution, alongside the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression.