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Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia

1961 28 min
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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.

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Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia
  • The History Makers
    The History Makers
    1959 - 1964 3 editions
    From 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.

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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

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Education

Ages 11 to 18
Study Guides
Guide 1 Guide 2
School subjects
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?

Joseph Howe: The Tribune of Nova Scotia
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HD - $ 45.95
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