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Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia

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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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.

History - Canada - Pre-1867 Media and Communication Law and Crime All subjects
  • director
    Julian Biggs
  • producer
    Julian Biggs
  • executive producer
    Guy Glover
  • script
    Joseph Schull
  • photography
    John Gunn
  • sound
    Leo O'Donnell
  • sound editing
    Kathleen Shannon
  • re-recording
    Ron Alexander
  • cast
    James Barron
    Ursula Dapery
    William Ferguson
    Art Samuels
    Henry Gamer
    Basil Schapiro
    John Tregale

Education

Ages 11 to 18

Study Guide

Guide 1

Notes

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?

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Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia
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