Why Most People Lose Defamation Lawsuits | New York Times v. Sullivan

The video discusses the 1960 New York Times advertisement 'Heed Their Rising Voices' and its legal aftermath. LB Sullivan sued the newspaper for libel, claiming the ad defamed him. The case escalated to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the New York Times, citing First Amendment protections. This landmark decision established the 'actual malice' standard for defamation cases involving public figures, significantly impacting media law and freedom of speech.

What was the Supreme Court's stance on Alabama's libel law in relation to the First Amendment?

What does the 'actual malice test' refer to in the context of defamation cases?

How did the Sullivan decision impact the treatment of defamation cases involving public figures?