Question

The requirements for libel deatailed in new york times v. sullivan protect which principle?

Answer 1

NYT v. Sullivan is a landmark SCOTUS case regarding libel. It protects the Press and specifically 1st Amendment protections guaranteeing a free press by establishing a high bar for a citizen to sue the press for libel.

Answer 2

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan  was a landmark decision enacted by the US Supreme Court in 1964. It stated that, a press report or publication would be considered libel (defamatory printed communications) if the "actual malice" standard or principle is met.

Actual malice is defined as the requirement that public officials need to prove in order to suit for libel, if they want to have a chance to suceed in a lawsuit. Public officials and public personalities are subject to tougher standards than ordinary people, who are not known for the general public.