New York Times v. Sullivan

The Supreme Court held that libelous words about a public official can be protected when made in the context of fostering debate about government and public affairs.

ReligiousLiberty.TV
February 26, 2026
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Cite This Case
New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964).
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New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (U.S. Supreme Court, 1964). https://religiousliberty.tv/case-library/new-york-times-v-sullivan/
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New York Times v. Sullivan (376 U.S. 254) [U.S. Supreme Court, 1964] — The Supreme Court held that libelous words about a public official can be protected when made in the context of fostering debate about government and public affairs. Source: ReligiousLiberty.TV (https://religiousliberty.tv/case-library/new-york-times-v-sullivan/, accessed April 9, 2026).
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Citation: 376 U.S. 254 Year: 1964 Court: U.S. Supreme Court
Holding: The Supreme Court held that libelous words about a public official can be protected when made in the context of fostering debate about government and public affairs.
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New York Times v. Sullivan (376 U.S. 254) is a Free Speech & Religion case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1964. The court held that the Supreme Court held that libelous words about a public official can be protected when made in the context of fostering debate about government and public affairs.