ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with concepts of freedom of expression and press freedom. It examines how governments can limit some forms of free expression by banning books, plays, films and so forth by either introducing laws or changing existing legislation and how outspoken writers and journalists have been punished after they have spoken out. Most democratic societies enshrine freedom of expression in their constitutions such as the German basic constitution. The right to freedom of expression is crucial in a democracy, helps to inform political debate and is essential to the media to report on government transparency and the checks and balances imposed by Parliament on the executive. Freedom of expression can include a number of objectives, such as the power or right to express one’s opinions without censorship, restraint or legal penalty. Media freedom can be defined as the ability and opportunity for journalists to say and write what they want without restriction or interference from the state and elsewhere.
