CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA *
AS AMENDED AND IN FORCE NOVEMBER 8, 2016
PREAMBLE
We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.
ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
Section 1.
[Repealed November 5, 1974. See Section 1, below.]
[Inalienable Rights]
Section 1. All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. [New section adopted November 5, 1974.]
[Liberty of Speech and of the Press—Newspersons’ Refusal to Disclose Information Sources Not Adjudged in Contempt]
Sec. 2. (a) Every person may freely speak, write and publish his or her sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of this right. A law may not restrain or abridge liberty of speech or press.
(b) A publisher, editor, reporter, or other person connected with or employed upon a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, or by a press association or wire service, or any person who has been so connected or employed, shall not be adjudged in contempt by a judicial, legislative, or administrative body, or any other body having the power to issue subpoenas, for refusing to disclose the source of any information procured while so connected or employed for publication in a newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication, or for refusing to disclose any unpublished information obtained or prepared in gathering, receiving or processing of information for communication to the public. Nor shall a radio or television news reporter or other person connected with or employed by a radio or television station, or any person who has been so connected or employed, be so adjudged in contempt for refusing to disclose the source of any information procured while so connected or employed for news or news commentary purposes on radio or television, or for refusing to disclose any unpublished information obtained or prepared in gathering, receiving or processing of information for communication to the public.
Adopted by the people on May 7, 1879. Certain spelling and capitalization variances reflect State Printer’s style in effect at time of adoption of amendments.
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