New York Times Case Summary

Words: 549
Pages: 3

New York Times Co. vs Sullivan 376 US 254 (1964). This case was previously heard by the Circuit Court of Montgomery County.

Facts:
This case pertains to a full-page ad published in the New York Times which petitioner L.B. Sullivan claimed personally defamed him. Prior to the release of the ad, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested for perjury in Alabama. The ad alleged that the arrest was part of a campaign to destroy the recent efforts of King to publicly integrate facilities and encourage the black vote. Montgomery City Commissioner, Sullivan then filed a civil libel action case against the New York Times Company (publisher of the newspaper) and 4 Alabaman Clergymen who were African-American. As the “Commissioner of Public Affairs”,
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Conclusion:
The Court voted unanimously in favor of the New York Times (9-0) and the Supreme Court of Alabama’s decision was overturned.

Part II: Implications:
The opinion of this case directly affected the freedom of speech. Any other conclusion would discourage newspapers from carrying “editorial advertisements” of this type, and so might shut off an important outlet for the promulgation of information and ideas by persons who do not themselves have access to publishing facilities—who wish to exercise their freedom of speech even though they are not members of the press (Brennan, 1964 pg. 181).
Part III: Commentary
I actually appreciate the verdict of this case. When looking at the social context of the US during the time of this time and the issues surrounding this case, I’m happy to see my people prevail. I was also happy to see the jurors of this course think about the people who aren’t necessarily a “the press” but still wish to express ourselves freely. Fifty years later this case is still relevant in all