Alternative Facts - The Legacy of New York Times v. Sullivan and the Limits of Defamation Law

In a time when free speech is coming under significant attack, this panel will explore the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan and its enduring impact on First Amendment law. Decided during the civil rights era, the ruling established the “actual malice” standard, requiring public officials to prove that defamatory statements were knowingly false or made with reckless disregard for the truth. By raising the bar for defamation claims the Court strengthened protections for investigative journalism and open debate on public issues. This discussion will examine the case’s historical context, its legal doctrine, and its continuing relevance and modern debates over press freedom, misinformation, and accountability.