Why was New York Times vs Sullivan significance?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on January 15, 2026
Summary. This lesson focuses on the 1964 landmark freedom of the press case New York Times v. Sullivan. The Court held that the First Amendment protects newspapers even when they print false statements, as long as the newspapers did not act with “actual malice.”
Why was New York Times v Sullivan significance quizlet?
Why was New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) significant? The justices ruled that a newspaper had to print false and malicious material deliberately in order to be guilty of libel. You just studied 15 terms!
Why is The New York Times vs us an important Court case?
Often referred to as the “Pentagon Papers” case, the landmark Supreme Court decision in New York Times Co. v. United States, 403 U.S. 713 (1971), defended the First Amendment right of free press against prior restraint by the government.
What did New York Times vs Sullivan demonstrate about the right to make false statements?
The Court said the right to publish all statements is protected under the First Amendment. The Court also said in order to prove libel, a public official must show that what was said against them was made with actual malice – “that is, with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth.”
What happened with Sullivan vs New York Times and Sotto’s press freedom law?
Sullivan, legal case in which, on March 9, 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously (9–0) that, for a libel suit to be successful, the complainant must prove that the offending statement was made with “ ‘actual malice’—that is, with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or …
What did the New York Times say about Sullivan?
In a unanimous opinion authored by Justice Brennan, the Court ruled for the Times. When a statement concerns a public figure, the Court held, it is not enough to show that it is false for the press to be liable for libel.
What was the outcome of the New York Times vs Sullivan case quizlet?
The Court held that the 1st Amendment protects all the statement, even false ones, about the conduct of public official except when the statement is made with actual malice.
What was the legal significance of the Sullivan case quizlet?
The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously on March 9, 1964, in The New York Times v. Sullivan that the Constitution prohibits a public official from recovering damages for a defamatory falsehood related to his official conduct.
What was the impact of the New York Times v United States case?
In this ruling, the Court established a “heavy presumption against prior restraint,” even in cases involving national security. This means that the Court is very likely to find cases of government censorship unconstitutional. New York Times Co.
What did the New York Times v the United States do?
When was the New York Times Company v.sullivan decided?
Sullivan – Case Briefs – 1963 New York Times Company v. Sullivan Decided together with Abernathy v.
What was the significance of the Sullivan case?
The decision allowed newspapers more freedom to report on the widespread chaos and police abuse during the Civil Rights Movement. In Sullivan, the Supreme Court adopted the term “actual malice” and gave it constitutional significance.
What was the burden of proof in New York Times v Sullivan?
Upending the common law tort rule, the Court placed the burden of proof on the public-figure plaintiff, stating that the plaintiff must demonstrate actual malice with “ convincing clarity which the constitutional standard demands .”
What was the verdict in the Sullivan v.alabama case?
Sullivan secured a judgment for $500,000 in the Alabama state trial court. The state supreme court affirmed on August 30, 1962, saying “The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not protect libelous publications”. The Times appealed to the United States Supreme Court.