Document: 390 U.S. 727 88 S.Ct. 1323 20 L.Ed.2d 262 Phil A. ST. AMANT, Petitioner,v.Herman THOMPSON. No. 517. Argued April 4, 1968. Decided 29, Russell J. Schonekas, New Orleans, La., for petitioner. Robert L. Kleinpeter, Baton Rouge, respondent. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The question presented by this case is whether Louisiana Supreme Court, in sustaining a judgment damages public official's defamation action, correctly interpreted and applied rule York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 254, 84 710, 11 686 (1964), that plaintiff such an action must prove defamatory publication 'was made with 'actual malice'—that is, knowledge it was false or reckless disregard not.' U.S., at 279—280, S.Ct., 726. 2 On June 27, 1962, petitioner St. Amant, candidate office, televised speech Louisiana. In course speech, Amant read series questions which he had put to D. Albin, member Teamsters Union local, Albin's answers those questions. exchange concerned allegedly nefarious activities E. G. Partin, president alleged relationship between Partin Amant's political opponent. One his efforts prevent from secreting union records; answer Albin referred Herman Thompson, East Rouge Parish deputy sheriff respondent here: 3 'Now, we knew safe gonna be moved night, but imagine our predicament, knowing Ed's connections Sheriff's office through who recent visits Hall see Ed. We also money passed hands Ed Thompson * Herman. State Trooper Lieutenant Joe Green. couldn't get any help there didn't know how far involved Police that, out jurisdiction City Police.'1 4 promptly brought suit defamation, claiming 'impute(d) gross misconduct' 'infer(red) conduct most nature.' tried prior decision supra. trial judge ruled Thompson's favor awarded $5,000 damages. Thereafter, entertaining denying motion new trial, Court considered ruling Times, finding no barrier already entered. Appeal reversed because record failed show acted actual malice, as required Times. 184 So.2d 314 (1966). intermediate appellate court. 250 La. 405, 196 255 (1967). its view, sufficient evidence recklessly disregarded statements about were true false. granted writ certiorari. 389 1033, 766, 19 820 (1968). 5 For purposes accept determinations courts material published charged criminal conduct, charge false, official2 so burden proving malice defined Sullivan later cases. cannot, however, agree either court sustained burden. 6 Purporting apply standard, broadcast information recklessly, though not knowingly. Several reasons given conclusion. personal activities; relied solely on affidavit although silent reputation veracity; verify might have known facts; gave consideration defamed went ahead heedless consequences; mistakenly believed responsibility merely quoting words. 7 These considerations fall short accuracy Thompson. 'Reckless disregard,' true, cannot fully encompassed one infallible definition. Inevitably outer limits will marked case-by-case adjudication, many legal standards judging concrete cases, standard provided Constitution, statutes, law. Our furnished meaningful guidance further definition publication. supra, did satisfy publisher aware likelihood circulating information. Garrison Louisiana, 379 64, 85 209, 13 125 decided before case, emphasized necessity showing 'high degree awareness probable falsity.' 74, 216. Harlan's Curtis Publishing Butts, 388 130, 153, 87 1975, 1991, 18 1094 (1967), stated deliberate falsification 'despite publisher's falsity' essential recovery officials actions. cases are clear measured reasonably prudent man would published, investigated publishing. There permit conclusion defendant fact entertained serious doubts truth shows falsity demonstrates malice. 8 It may said test puts premium ignorance, encourages irresponsible inquire, permits issue determined defendants testimony statement good faith unaware falsity. Concededly fewer situations than publishers reasonable publisher. But succeeding stake people business great neither defense nor ordinary care protect against self-censorship thus adequately implement First Amendment policies. Neither lies communications serve ends Amendment, suggests their desirability proliferation. insure ascertainment affairs, some erroneous publications well ones. adhere view line drawn protected not. 9 official automatically favorable verdict testifying belief true. finder determine indeed faith. Professions unlikely persuasive, example, where story fabricated defendant, product imagination, based wholly unverified anonymous telephone call. Nor they likely prevail when allegations inherently improbable only them circulation. Likewise, recklessness found obvious doubt veracity informant reports.3 10 By proper officer. Nothing indicates Failure investigate does itself establish bad 287—288, 729—730. mistake liability doubtful mind part. That realize import what broadcast—and 'heedless' consequences similarly colorless. Closer mark reliability. However, state could say veracity, underlines failure demonstrate low community assessment trustworthiness unsatisfactory experience him Amant. Other facts support view. 1962. He since October 1961, first met members dissident faction. testified verified other aspects affidavits others. Moreover swore answers, writing presence newsmen. According prepared substantiate charges. engaged internal struggle union; seemed placing himself danger publicly airing details dispute. 12 Because misunderstood misapplied observed remanded proceedings inconsistent opinion. Reversed remanded. 14 BLACK DOUGLAS concur set concurring opinions 293, 733, 79, 80, 218, 219, (1964). 15 FORTAS, dissenting. 16 I do believe satisfied minimal specified contained seriously libelous directed Respondent official. petitioner's adversary contest. Petitioner's casual, careless, callous use libel rationalized resulting heat campaign. Under malice'—with principle my opinion, should lead us affirmance here. 17 fragile requires immunize kind reckless, destructive invasion life, even officials, interests sensitivities. shelter character assassinator, deliberate. require license shotgun attacks virtually unlimited open season. occupation officeholder forfeit one's membership human race. subject severe scrutiny free criticism. if needlessly, heedlessly, falsely accused crime, remedy preclude civilized living. Petitioner duty here check reliability If good-faith check, interest endure assault. prohibit recovery. affirm. preceded asserting learning written Secretary Labor charging been stealing funds, become 'pretty riled up' 'get rid safe' containing records. concluded, after considering law, has 'substantial control over governmental affairs,' established Rosenblatt Baer, 383 75, 85, 86 669, 675, 597 (1966), 'at least law enforcement police functions concerned.' 422, So.2d, 261. See, e.g., 169—170, 1998—1999 (WARREN, C.J., result), 172, 2000 (BRENNAN, J., dissenting)

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