New York Times Vs. Sullivan Case Analysis

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Once what used to be described as The weakest of all branches by Alexander Hamilton "no influence over either the sword or the purse”, became The Supreme law enforcer in the United States. The American Legal systems and the courts were created to bring stability to society.The Court system is one of the most valuable defender of democracy. It was created to promote a fair system, where everyone is to be treated equally. Here no one would be judged different however in some cases it proved the opposite. During the beginning of New York Times Vs Sullivan, the Legal system of Alabama challenged The notion of fair. As seen with this case, the right to free pressed was surprised with the notion that the media could not criticize
The New York Times Vs sullivan case of 1964 changed the way courts would rule on libel. It also changed the requirements of what is considered libel. It also served to show what
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Before the case of New York Times Vs Sullivan, the states had the right to choose what they considered was libel. “Alabama law stated that a person must be cited by name in a libel case, a public official could be libeled by words directed at the agency that he or she headed” ()which was used by the Montgomery Circuit court to rule in favor of Sullivan. Alabama law believed that when it came to public officials, that false information and misinformation would affect them badly regardless of truth. Alabama law also stated that general damages could be awarded without proof of damages done. Six locals citizen of Montgomery “ testified that they believed the statements in paragraphs three and six referred to Sullivan personally”(), this was enough for L.B Sullivan to win his case. The same was for when the New York Times appealed their case to the Alabama Supreme court. The Supreme Court of Alabama ruled in favor of Sullivan, forcing the New York Times to appeal to the supreme