🇺🇸 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.