Abstract
The law of criminal libel emerged in the Star Chamber in the early years of the seventeenth century. Particularly important to its later development and historiography was Sir Edward Coke’s report of Pickering’s Case, described by him as the case De libellis famosis. The article reassesses the early history of the law of libel, placing it in the context of earlier statutes dealing with sedition. Close analysis of Coke’s report, and the relationship between his original manuscript and the printed version, reveals that the report should be analysed as a literary text in itself, with changes being introduced by Coke in order to produce a particular model of the law.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
