Practice question
A newspaper has printed a report but has not distributed any copies. A government order forbids its initial distribution because of the political allegation it contains. Officials say it cannot be prior restraint because ink is already on paper. Which is correct?
- Printing alone makes every future restraint subsequent punishment
- Only the cost of paper matters
- No constitutional inquiry is possible until every copy is sold
- The order automatically grants immunity for all later publications
- Preventing dissemination of the report still raises prior-restraint concerns; completion of printing does not resolve them
Legal references
- Chavez v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 168338, February 15, 2008, main decision: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2008/feb2008/gr_168338_2008.html
- 1987 Constitution, Article III, Section 4: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/3/353
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