The first time that the Court invoked the First Amendment to prevent libel actions was in which case?
A) Texas v. Johnson
B) United States v. O'Brien
C) New York Times v. Sullivan
D) Yates v. U.S.
E) Texas v. Johnson.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The case of New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) was the first time that the Supreme Court invoked the First Amendment to prevent libel actions. The case established the "actual malice" standard for public officials to bring defamation suits against the press or other individuals, which requires them to prove that the statements made were made with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. This set a higher bar for public figures to prove libel and protected the freedom of the press to report on government officials without fear of retribution.

The First Time That the Court Invoked the First Amendment