Warren Court Decisions · US History

The 1964 case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan revolutionized libel law by requiring public officials to prove:

  1. The statement was factually incorrect
  2. The statement caused financial harm
  3. The statement was made with 'actual malice'
  4. The statement was published without a permit
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Correct answer: The statement was made with 'actual malice'

To protect the 'breathing space' for free debate, the Court ruled that public officials must prove the publisher knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. This made it significantly harder for officials to sue the media.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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