Abstract

The Right To Privacy

The article presents information on a common law which will protect individuals from the intrusion of the press on their private life. It has been shown by writers that the common law defends the individual against offensive odors and noises; against the unauthorized circulation of his portrait; against the unauthorized publication of his thoughts, sentiments, and emotions, however expressed, whether in words, sculpture, or music; sometimes on the ground that the expression is property, but sometimes on the ground that it is a confidential communication. They rely also on the protection given by the courts to private photographs as against the photographer; and to individuals as against secret instantaneous photography; to trade secrets to private letters, and so on.