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United States Leading Case defencesconvention rights

New York Times Co v Sullivan

376 U.S. 254 (1964)
JurisdictionUnited States
CourtUS Supreme Court
Year1964
StatusBinding authority

Summary

A public official suing for defamation must prove actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth — under the First Amendment.

Key Principle

The First Amendment requires a public official suing for defamation to prove actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.

Area of Law

constitutional

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