Case Law Index
federal1964
Additional Highlights:First AmendmentDefamationFree Press
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
Public officials must prove "actual malice" — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth — to recover damages for defamatory statements made about their official conduct.
Case Summary
New York Times v. Sullivan established the "actual malice" standard for defamation claims by public officials, dramatically limiting the ability of government officials to use libel suits to silence press coverage of civil rights activities.