AP 3.4 Review

What is the definition of libel?

• The act of damaging someone’s reputation by printing false statements.

• Government censorship of free expression by preventing publication.

• A top-secret account of US military action in Vietnam.

• The process of leaking government documents to the press.

What were the Pentagon Papers?

• A collection of false statements made by public officials.

• A top-secret account of US military action in Vietnam.

• A legal case about freedom of speech.

• A government policy on press censorship.

Define prior restraint.

• The act of leaking government documents.

• Government censorship of free expression by preventing publication or speech before it takes place.

• The process of suing for libel.

• The publication of false statements.

Why is preventing prior restraint important in a democracy?

• It ensures that all government actions are kept secret.

• It allows for the free exchange of ideas and protects freedom of the press.

• It prevents the publication of false statements.

• It ensures that only positive news is reported.

In the case of New York Times Co. v. United States (1971), what was the Supreme Court's ruling?

• The government could prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers.

• The attempt to bar publication violated the First Amendment right to freedom of the press.

• The Pentagon Papers posed an immediate national security threat.

• The New York Times was guilty of libel.

When might the government limit the freedom of the press?

• When false statements are printed about public officials.

• When government documents pose an immediate threat to military forces.

• When the press publishes positive news about the government.

• When the press criticizes government policies.

Explain the significance of the Supreme Court's "heavy presumption against prior restraint."

• It means the government can easily censor the press.

• It indicates that acts blocking free expression are likely unconstitutional.

• It allows the government to sue for libel.

• It ensures that all press publications are reviewed by the government.

How does the concept of libel balance freedom of the press and individual rights?

• It allows the press to publish any information without consequences.

• It provides a legal avenue for individuals to seek redress for false statements.

• It restricts the press from publishing any negative information.

• It ensures that only government-approved news is published.

What role did Daniel Ellsberg play in the Pentagon Papers incident?

• He was a Supreme Court judge in the case.

• He leaked the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times.

• He was a government official who sued for libel.

• He was a journalist who wrote the Pentagon Papers.

Discuss the impact of the New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) case on future press freedom cases.

• It limited the press's ability to publish government documents.

• It reinforced the protection of press freedom against prior restraint.

• It allowed the government to censor the press more easily.

• It had no significant impact on press freedom.