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Today in History: Sedition Act criminalizes false statements about government

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On July 14, 1798, Congress passed the Sedition Act, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, criminalizing the publication or utterance of false, malicious statements against the federal government. Championed by Federalist President John Adams amid French tensions, the law sparked journalist prosecutions and fueled opposition that helped Thomas Jefferson win the 1800 election.

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Story summary

On July 14, 1798, Congress passed the Sedition Act, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, criminalizing the publication or utterance of false, malicious statements against the federal government. Championed by Federalist President John Adams amid French tensions, the law sparked journalist prosecutions and fueled opposition that helped Thomas Jefferson win the 1800 election.