New York Times v. Sullivan - Explained
Fake News?
In the last 10 years, the American public’s trust in the mainstream media has rapidly declined, going from 74% of people generally trusting the mainstream media, to a new low this year, showing that in 2021 only 46% of Americans will claim to trust the mainstream media.
Privilege of the Press
In 1791, when the United States of America adopted the Bill of Rights, Americans were granted many freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press in the First Amendment.
Heed Their Rising Voices
In 1960, the New York Times printed an advertisement…
The Ruling
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Actual Malice
A Unanimous Decision
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What “Actual Malice” Actually Means
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Held to a Different Standard
“Public Figure,” used to classify Sullivan’s position in his community, came into use as a way to categorize plaintiffs in libel lawsuits. If someone meets the qualifications to be considered a public figure in a libel suit they will be held to court’s actual malice standard.
A National Change
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Public Figures
public Figures vs. Private Citizens
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Public Figure Categories & Qualifications
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Are You a Public Figure?
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