COMM 317: Times v. Sullivan, wrapping it up

Here are some questions to think about ... and talk about ... then think about some more ... 'cause they'll never be completely answered ... but they'll never go away, either. Questions like this are somewhat interrelated, often in odd ways, so you may wind up thinking about one question while you're thinking about another. You may wind up contradicting yourself, too. That doesn't necessarily mean you don't understand the case!

1. What is the significance of Times v. Sullivan:

• In American history?
  
• To lawyers?
  
• To working journalists?
  
• To you?

2. What were the rules of libel law for working journalists before Times v. Sullivan?
3. What is "actual malice," and how did it change the rules?
4. How could you cover Illinois statehouse politics if Times v. Sullivan hadn't been decided the way it was?

Next week, finish "Make No Law," and bring the "AP Stylebook" to class. We'll bring First Amendment law and the rules of libel up to date. We'll also (this by popular request in our one-minute, three-question midsemester questionnaire) tell you what you can and can't say in print today without getting sued for libel.