The Swedish Freedom of the Press Ordinance of 1766: The world’s first legislation guaranteeing free communication of information

On 2 December 1766, the world’s first government-sponsored declaration of freedom of the press saw the light of day in Sweden, which at that time also comprised Finland. For the first time the importance of freedom of expression, its compass and confines, was acknowledged in constitutional law. The importance of the law is demonstrated in the flood of political pamphlets championing extended civil rights that were published in the years that followed. This collection includes two equally important parts: 1) the minutes and preparatory documents that explain the creation of the law, 2) the political pamphlets that illustrate its immediate and radical effect. Together they bear testimony to how defining moments in the coming of the open and democratic society can be the produce of quiet and diligent labour rather than of grand gestures. This nomination illustrates the exemplary and prudent first implementation of the most fundamental of human rights.