Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia
1961
28 min
Coming soon
This short drama is a portrait of Nova Scotian journalist and politician Joseph Howe (1804-1873) and his battle for freedom of press. When, in 1835, Howe was accused of seditious libel, no lawyer dared defend him. Choosing to defend himself, he addressed the jury for over 6 hours, urging jurors to leave an unshackled press as a legacy to their children. Though the judge instructed the jury to find Howe guilty, jurors took only 10 minutes to acquit him - a landmark event in the evolution of press freedom in Canada.
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The History Makers1959 3 editionsFrom the most intrepid explorers to the fathers of Confederation, this series of 17 half-hour episodes tells the compelling early history of our great country.
Details
This short drama is a portrait of Nova Scotian journalist and politician Joseph Howe (1804-1873) and his battle for freedom of press. When, in 1835, Howe was accused of seditious libel, no lawyer dared defend him. Choosing to defend himself, he addressed the jury for over 6 hours, urging jurors to leave an unshackled press as a legacy to their children. Though the judge instructed the jury to find Howe guilty, jurors took only 10 minutes to acquit him - a landmark event in the evolution of press freedom in Canada.
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directorJulian Biggs
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producerJulian Biggs
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executive producerGuy Glover
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scriptJoseph Schull
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photographyJohn Gunn
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soundLeo O'Donnell
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sound editingKathleen Shannon
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re-recordingRon Alexander
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castJames BarronUrsula DaperyWilliam FergusonArt SamuelsHenry GamerBasil SchapiroJohn Tregale
Education
Ages 11 to 18
Study Guides - Guide 1 | Guide 2
History - Canada under British Rule (1764-1867)
History and Citizenship Education - Canadian Federation (1850-1929)
History and Citizenship Education - Imperialism and Colonization (1800s-1900s)
History and Citizenship Education - Struggles in the British Colony (1791-1850)
Research the concept of “responsible government” (consider watching the Heritage Minute on responsible Government). How does Joseph Howe argue for responsible government? What are the arguments against Joseph Howe’s political views? How does this impact the legal case against him? Create a T-chart that identifies Howe’s political successes and failures. How do these experiences influence his political career? His legacy in Nova Scotia today?
