Actual Malice

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"In its landmark 1964 decision in New York Times v. Sullivan, the Supreme Court held that a public official must prove "actual malice" or reckless disregard of the truth in order to win a libel lawsuit. The case, which grew out of segregationists' attempts to quash reporting on the civil rights movement, revolutionized media reporting and public discourse in America. Drawing on previously unexplored sources, including the papers of the New York Times Company and leaders of the civil rights movement, this book tells the fascinating story of the legal issues and behind-the-scenes maneuvers that led to one of the most important First Amendment rulings in history-a ruling that is more critical and controversial than ever"--