Which of the following is true concerning the 1964 case of New York Times v. Sullivan?
A) it was the first libel case to reach the U.S. Supreme Court
B) it established the principle that public officials must show "actual malice" in order to have successful libel claims
C) it shifted the burden of proof in libel cases from the defendant to the plaintiff
D) the court acknowledged that some libel is expected because of the "heated exchange" of public debate
E) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 1964 case of New York Times v. Sullivan is significant for several reasons: it was indeed the first libel case to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, establishing the "actual malice" standard for public officials to prove in libel cases. This standard shifted the burden of proof in libel cases significantly, making it more challenging for public officials to win such cases. Additionally, the Court acknowledged that in the context of public debate, some level of erroneous reporting is inevitable, thus protecting the press's role in a democratic society.

Which of the Following Is True Concerning the 1964 Case