# Wis. Const. art. I, § 3: Wis. Const. art. I, § 3. Free speech; libel

> Wisconsin · Constitutions · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_WI_AI_S3

## Section

- **Citation:** Wis. Const. art. I, § 3
- **Heading:** Wis. Const. art. I, § 3. Free speech; libel
- **Jurisdiction:** Wisconsin
- **Kind:** Constitutions
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Article I / Section 3

## Text

Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right, and no laws shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the Wisconsin Constitution updated by the Legislative Reference B Annotations for the Annotated Constitution. Report errors at 6 August 5, 2026. 2 ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS. ARTICLE XIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. ARTICLE XIV. SCHEDULE. press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments for libel, the truth may be given in evidence, and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous be true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_WI_AI_S3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
