The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law abridging (curtailing) the freedom of the press. Thus, freedom of the press prohibits censorship by the government in the reporting of news and the publication of opinions.
In Oregon, as in all states, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of the press. This means that the government, including state and local authorities, cannot censor or restrict the media's ability to report news or publish opinions. Oregon's state constitution also reinforces this right, providing additional protections for freedom of speech and expression. However, this freedom is not absolute; there are legal limitations such as defamation laws, privacy considerations, and certain restrictions on obscene material. Nonetheless, these limitations must be balanced against the fundamental principle of a free press. Oregon courts, guided by both state and federal law, are tasked with navigating these complex issues when disputes arise.