Samantha Barbas

Samantha Barbas, a law professor from Iowa College and author of *Actual Malice*, joins the discussion on the landmark Supreme Court case, New York Times v. Sullivan. She explains how this 1964 decision transformed defamation law and protected press freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. The conversation delves into the 'actual malice' standard, its origins in the fight against racial injustice, and its relevance today amidst evolving libel concerns. Barbas also emphasizes the continuing struggle for media accountability in a democratic society.

Samantha Barbas, a University of Iowa Law Professor, dives into the historical battle between civil rights and hate speech laws. She illustrates how groups like the NAACP confronted hate speech, particularly through episodes like the Skokie protest against a Nazi march. Barbas examines milestones such as the backlash against 'The Birth of a Nation' and Henry Ford's antisemitic publications. The conversation also touches on contemporary challenges in free speech, including college students' fears of saying the wrong thing, and how these tensions influence public discourse.

Samantha Barbas, a First Amendment expert and law professor, dives into the implications of the jury’s verdict in Sarah Palin's libel lawsuit against the New York Times, highlighting challenges public figures face in defamation cases. David Voreacos sheds light on Harvard University's lawsuit against the Trump administration, focusing on issues of academic independence and funding. Greg Stohr discusses the Trump administration's urgent appeals to the Supreme Court regarding the ban on transgender service members, with significant implications for LGBTQ rights.