Press Freedom and Libel Law in Landmark Cases

This chapter explores the pivotal Supreme Court case of New York Times v. Sullivan, which established the 'actual malice' standard in defamation cases involving public figures and emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity. It discusses the ongoing struggles for press freedom in various contexts, including the impact of government censorship in China and the dangers faced by journalists in repressive regimes. Additionally, it reflects on the significance of key historical events like the Pentagon Papers in highlighting the balance between national security and free expression.