🇺🇸 United States
📜 Civil Law
1964
Landmark Case
Supreme Court
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
U.S. Supreme Court
Case Details
Case Summary
Ruled that the First Amendment restricts the ability of American public officials to sue for defamation, requiring proof of actual malice — knowledge that statements were false or made with reckless disregard.
Final Judgment / Ruling
Unanimous ruling: public officials can only recover damages for defamation if actual malice is proven.
Why This Case Matters
Foundational free speech ruling that protects the press from defamation suits by public officials without proof of actual malice.