Illustrative Example: New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Context
Event: The Pentagon Papers scandal in 1971, involving a secret report on American involvement in Vietnam, leaked by a New York Times reporter.
Outcome: The Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. United States reinforced freedom of the press, especially regarding matters of national importance.
Significance
Established Principle: Against prior restraint, the practice of preventing information from being published.
Case Details: The government tried to stop the New York Times from publishing classified Vietnam War information, claiming national security risks.
Supreme Court Ruling: Allowed publication, stating it did not pose an immediate danger to American forces.
Impact
"Heavy Presumption Against Prior Restraint": A significant legal standard requiring the government to show a compelling interest to justify preventing publication.
Landmark Decision: Reaffirmed the essential role of press freedom in democracy, especially in cases involving national issues.