Legal Document

491 U.S. 524 109 S.Ct. 2603 105 L.Ed.2d 443 THE FLORIDA STAR, Appellantv.B.J.F. No. 87-329. Argued March 21, 1989. Decided June Syllabus Appellant, The Florida Star, is a newspaper which publishes "Police Reports" section containing brief articles describing local criminal incidents under police investigation After appellee B.J.F. reported to the Sheriff's Department (Department) that she had been robbed and sexually assaulted, prepared report, identified by her full name, placed it in Department's press room. does not restrict access room or reports available there. A Star reporter-trainee sent copied report verbatim, including B.J.F.'s name. Consequently, name was included story paper, violation of Star's internal policy. Stat. § 794.03 makes unlawful "print, publish, broadcast . any instrument mass communication" victim sexual offense. filed suit court alleging, inter alia, negligently violated 794.03. trial denied motion dismiss, claimed, among other things, imposing civil sanctions on pursuant First Amendment. However, granted for directed verdict issue negligence, finding per se negligent based its jury then awarded both compensatory punitive damages. upheld appeal. Held: Imposing damages publishing violates Pp. 530-541. (a) sensitivity significance interests presented clashes between Amendment privacy rights counsels Court rely limited principles sweep no more broadly than appropriate context instant case, rather accept invitations hold truthful publication may never be punished consistent with rape victim's enjoys constitutional protection. One such principle "if lawfully obtains information about matter public state officials constitutionally punish information, absent need further interest highest order." Smith v. Daily Mail Publishing Co., 97, 103, 99 2667, 2670-71, 61 399. Applied commands reversal. 530-536. (b) "lawfully obtain[ed] information." actual news article accurate, obtained from government. fact are required disclose apparently failed fulfill obligation cause allow published make have received has taken steps proscribe receipt. government ample means safeguard less drastic punishing publication. Furthermore, clear generally, as opposed specific identity contained it, involved "a significance": commission, investigation, violent crime authorities. 536-537. (c) liability serve Although protecting safety assault victims encouraging them offenses without fear exposure highly significant, this case too precipitous advancing those interests. Since because abide 794.03's policy, imposition can hardly said narrowly tailored safeguarding anonymity. Self-censorship especially likely result when gains release. Moreover, negligence standard adopted courts below permit case-by-case findings disclosure one reasonable person would find offensive scienter requirement kind. In addition, facial underinclusiveness—which prohibits only an "instrument prohibit spread victims' names means—raises serious doubts whether serving specified State must demonstrate commitment extraordinary measure applying prohibition evenhandedly smalltime disseminator media giant. 537-541. 499 So.2d 883 (Fla.App.1986), reversed. MARSHALL, J., delivered opinion Court, BRENNAN, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. SCALIA, concurring part judgment, post, p. 541. WHITE, dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., O'CONNOR, joined, 542. George K. Rahdert, St. Petersburg, Fla., appellant. Joel D. Eaton, Miami, appellee. Justice MARSHALL Court. 1 (1987) offense.1 Pursuant statute, appellant found civilly liable publicly released report. here comports We not. 2 * weekly serves community Jacksonville, Florida, average circulation approximately 18,000 copies. regular feature section. That section, typically two three pages length, contains investigation. 3 On October 20, 1983, B.J.F.2 Duval County, assaulted unknown assailant. incident pressroom. either pressroom made therein. 4 blank duplicate forms. reporter one-paragraph crime, derived entirely trainee's copy It appeared "Robberies" subsection 29, 54 blotter stories day's edition. read: 5 "[B.J.F.] Thursday, crossing Brentwood Park, 500 block Golfair Boulevard, enroute bus stop, black man ran up behind lady knife neck told yell. suspect undressed intercourse before fleeing scene 60 cents, Timex watch gold necklace. Patrol efforts suspended concerning lack evidence." printing policy offense victims. 6 September 26, 1984, Circuit County against alleging these parties See n. 1, supra. Before trial, settled $2,500. moved claiming, judge rejected motion. App. 4. 7 At ensuing daylong testified suffered emotional distress She stated heard fellow workers acquaintances; mother several threatening phone calls who he again; events forced change number residence, seek protection, obtain mental health counseling. defense, put forth evidence indicating learned Department, newspaper's rule inadvertent. 8 close again at verdict. occasions, motions. He ruled bench reflected proper balance rights, applied narrow set "rather sensitive offenses." 18-19 (rejecting first motion); see id., 32-33 second motion). upon Id., 33. This ruling left consider questions causation instructed could award if "acted reckless indifference others." 35. $75,000 $25,000 Against award, off settlement Department. 9 District Appeal affirmed three-paragraph curiam opinion. (1986). paragraph devoted claim, properly entered because, 794.03, "of private nature law." 884, citing Doe Sarasota-Bradenton Television 436 328, 330 (Fla.App.1983) (footnote omitted).3 Supreme discretionary review. 10 appealed Court.4 noted probable jurisdiction, 488 887, 216, 102 208 (1988), now reverse. II 11 tension right accords free press, hand, protections various statutes common-law doctrines accord personal other, subject we addressed times recent years. Our decisions cases involving attempts sanction accurate dissemination invasive privacy, not, however, exhaustively considered conflict. contrary, although our exception press' emphasized each time were resolving conflict arose discrete factual context.5 12 frame their contentions light trilogy presented, different contexts, reporting state-protected Cox Broadcasting Corp. Cohn, 420 469, 95 1029, 43 328 (1975), unconstitutional television station broadcasting rape-murder courthouse records. Oklahoma Co. 430 308, 97 1045, 51 355 (1977), c urt's pretrial order enjoining photograph 11-year-old boy connection juvenile proceeding child reporters attended. Finally, 399 (1979), indictment newspapers violating statute forbidding written approval court, youth charged offender. papers shooting monitoring band radio frequency alleged assailant witnesses, police, prosecutor. 13 Appellant takes position indistinguishable Broadcasting. Brief 8. Alternatively, urges above trilogy, held publish truth overcame asserted privacy,6 distilled yield broader punished, criminally, truth. 19. Appellee counters inapposite, already "public record," 12, 24, 25, stake far profound present case. See, e.g., 34. alternative, overruled replaced categorical Tr. Oral Arg. 44. 14 conclude Amendment, reasons urges. Despite strong resemblance bears Broadcasting, cannot fairly read controlling here. records open inspection, WHITE's repeatedly noted. U.S., 492, S.Ct., 1044-45 (noting "special protected judicial proceedings") (emphasis added); also 493, 496, 1046-47. Significantly, gave invalidating challenged important role plays subjecting trials scrutiny thereby helping guarantee fairness. 492-493, 1044-1045.7 directly compromised where, here, question comes disseminated adversarial proceedings begun, but identified. 15 Nor appellant's invitation carefully eschewed reaching ultimate question, mindful future bring scenarios prudence anticipatorily. Near Minnesota ex rel. Olson, 283 697, 716, 625, 75 L.Ed. 1357 (1931) (hypothesizing "publication sailing dates transports location troops"); Garrison Louisiana, 379 64, 72, 8, 74, 85 209, 215, 125 (1964) (endorsing absolute defense "where discussion affairs concerned," leaving unsettled implications truthfulness "in area purely libels"); Landmark Communications, Inc. Virginia, 435 829, 838, 98 1535, 1541, 56 (1978); Time, Hill, 385 374, 383, 7, 87 534, 539-40, 17 456 (1967). Indeed, pointedly refused answer even sweeping "whether publications ever subjected liability" invading "an privacy" defined State. 491, 1044. Respecting freedom "plainly rooted traditions significant concerns society," instead focused impose records—more specifically, maintained prosecution themselves inspection." Ibid. continue believe counsel relying 16 view, appropriately analyzed reference principle. one, fact, articulated synthesis prior publication: "[I]f 2671. According protection provided supported least separate considerations, addition to, course, overarching " 'public interest, secured Constitution, truth.' Broad- casting, supra, 1044, quoting Garrison, 73, 215 omitted). relied considerations. First, formulation protects obtain[ed]," 2671, retains impinge, To extent rests hands, some circumstances forbid nonconsensual acquisition, bringing outside so acquired. government's custody, greater power forestall mitigate injury caused lassify certain establish enforce procedures ensuring redacted release, extend remedy where mishandling leads dissemination. Where entrusted government, almost always exists guarding facts. 845, 1545 ("[M]uch risk [from regarding disciplinary proceedings] eliminated through careful protect confidentiality Commission proceedings"); Publishing, 311, 1046-47 judge's failure avail himself opportunity, hearing public, members later defendant's name); 1047 ("If there proceedings, States respond avoid documentation information").8 18 consideration undergirding relatively unlikely advance service seeks act. acquired known, accessible, others. But available, anomalous persons source anomaly Broadcasting: "By placing domain official records, presumed concluded being served." 495, 1046. reflects indeed despite accessibility meaningful served restricting release entities, like press. As observed summary "once 'publicly revealed' 'in domain' restrain dissemination." 19 third final "timidity self-censorship" allowing information. concern overdeterrence excessive self-suppression applicable well released, qualification, contrary rule, depriving implied representations lawfulness dissemination, force onerous sifting releases, reports, pronouncements prune out material arguably situation inhere th sole object reproduce, substantial change, rendition event question. 20 clearly inquiry significance." undisputed accurate. Appellee's argument law, reveal matters record" entitled inspect. 17-18, Fla.Stat. 119.07(3)(h) (1983). receive furnished "cause published" receipt unlawful. Even assuming Constitution permitted step. is, clear, furthermore, concerned significance," sense used term. within paramount import: supra (article identifying rape-murder); (1977) committed murder); Mail, (same); cf. (1978) judges whose conduct investigated). 21 argues furthers closely related interests: offenses; physical victims, targeted retaliation become known assailants; goal crimes exposure. 29-30. 22 daily reminded tragic reality rape, undeniable interests, underscored Legislature's explicit attempt enacting prohibiting much identities. accordingly do possibility that, might overwhelmingly necessary satisfy standard. For independent reasons, convince us "need" meaning take extreme Cf. (invalidating penalty State's expressed nondissemination, unauthorized divulging investigation). 23 manner identif ing noted, itself provides media, most assume had, utilize, step speech. assumption richly borne come erroneous, inadvertent, inclusion public. Florida's identities, undercut Where, disseminating Communications subsequent 534-535. Once domain, "reliance rest judgment decide what broadcast," 1047, hopes restitution willingness compensate loss consequences confidence. 24 gained imposed, self-censorship result. Reliance paradigmatically "routine techniqu[e]." issuance convey recipients lawful, expected disseminate further. Had merely reproduced surely violate converted into adding linguistic connecting tissue transform report's facts sentences 25 problem broad action Unlike claims common law tort invasion Restatement (Second) Torts 652D actions require person's life offensive. theory below, follows automatically regardless throughout community; voluntarily called attention offense; otherwise concern—because, perhaps, arisen fabricated particular person. kind engendering perverse defamatory falsehoods: figures, evaluated standard, usually jury, ordinary negligence. Gertz Robert Welch, Inc., 418 323, 94 2997, 41 789 (1974). previously impermissibility catego ical prohibitions stake. Globe Newspaper Superior Norfolk 457 596, 608, 2613, 2620-21, 73 248 (1982) providing exclusion victims). More individualized adjudication indispensable State, seeking anonymity sets face names. 26 Third, finally, underinclusiveness raises serving, invokes support affirmance. Section appears communication," term define. identities offenses. An individual maliciously spreads word thus covered, communication live near, work with, devastating large numbers strangers. 49-50 (appellee acknowledges apply "the backyard gossip tells 50 people don't know"). 27 When evenhandedly, stake, scope acceptable surrogate injury. ban disclosures effected "instrument[s] simply defended ground partial effect relief. 104-105, 2671-2672 (statute insufficiently restricted newspapers, electronic forms publication, defendants); 110, 2674-75 (REHNQUIST, judgment) Arkansas Writers' Project, Ragland, 481 221, 229, 107 1722, 1727-1728, 209 (1987); Minneapolis & Tribune Comm'r Revenue, 460 575, 585, 103 1365, 1371-72, 295 Without inclusive precautions alternative selective satisfactorily accomplishes purpose.9 III 28 holding today limited. protected, zone intrusion obtained, punishment all, order, appella t decision therefore 29 Reversed. 30 judgment. 31 I think sufficient Court's ante, 540 page: regarded order," justifying restriction speech, leaves appreciable damage supposedly vital unprohibited. anticipate discomfort misfortune friends acquaintances great whom Yet former oral form. all validate general gossip. Nor, credible meant rapist still large—an There little reason limit objective alone; rapes, felon apprehended confined. instructions did large. 32 every appearance society itself. Such reason, agree 33 CHIEF JUSTICE O'CONNOR join, dissenting. 34 "Short homicide, [rape] 'ultimate self.' Coker Georgia, 433 584, 597, 2861, 2869, 53 982 (opinion J.). B.J.F., rapist's knifepoint marked beginning ordeal. week later, while large, account victim—was Star. result, harassing calls, counseling, move home, threatened raped again. today, holds harm due odds 35 reaches conclusion analysis precedents aspects points turn, larger issues implicated today's decision. 36 finds compelled, varying degrees, cases: (1975); (1977); (1979). disagree. None requires harsh outcome reached today. 37 reversed station, brought assailants. While similarities, critical wholly distinguishable one. disclosed assailants pleaded guilty; and, recognized, judici l country. 1044-1045. earliest notion exempted protections. Warren Brandeis, Right Privacy, Harv.L.Rev. 193, 216-217 (1890). Second, unlike withheld law. Thus, state-law scheme inevitable; forbids disclosure. (1987). 38 These facts—that came public—were distinction obvious penultimate 39 "We reluctant embark course generally [T]he Fourteenth Amendments will exposing truthfully If true documents sanctioned it." added). 40 stands proposition line withholding public—it ask secrete effort place. undertaken "means [but obviously, altogether prevent] No doubt why frankly admits "Cox here." Ante, 532. Finding inadequate relies principal authority.1 flat places reliance—"[I]f order"—was introduced cautious qualifier "suggest[ed]" cases, "[n]one [which] control[led]" Mail. given offered hypothesis Mail: should uncritically accepted dogma. 42 importantly, perpetrator infam murder 15-year-old student. 99, 2668-69. Surely accused differ respect concerns. whatever criminals maintain pending guilt—and after seem minimal—the stay shielded view infinitely substantial. "holding narrow. privacy." 105, 2672 privacy—indeed, issue—and therefore, falls Mail's "rule" (which, suggest above, perhaps place). requires—or substantially supports—the 44 left, then, wonder "independent reasons" cites reversing 45 "appellant [B.J.F.'s name] release." 538. "The lawful," suggests. So described, begins look invited his courtroom, tried they observed. profoundly different. Here, "release" says, "without qualification." own conceded inadvertently posted signs making record, published. Record 113, 115, 117. indicated understood "[was not] allowed down information" (i.e., name) "[was] supposed department." admission posting idea lawful"; suggestion inapt. 46 Instead, done precisely suggested, wishing do: "respond [to challenge] By amending exempt disclosure, (1983), virtually imaginable prevent happened presents cry, asked public: asking job instance. Unfortunately, illustrates, mistakes happen: measures "avoid" sometimes out. instances this, simple standards decency refrain address, and/or number.2 47 complains judged strict contends courts' regard degree fault. 539-540. short complaint merit have, inapposite acted "reckless towards others," 170, higher minimum proved trial—and, actually, negligence; resting mere basis irrelevant validity 48 taking abstract, miss mark. Permitting mean defendants showing rather, care legislature, courts. says permits plaintiff defendant offensive." point legislature—reflecting popular sentiment—has determined categorically revelation And herself known—these enter calculation event, none mitigating factors here; arguments justify 49 faults underinclusive: covers 'instrument[s] communication,' distribution, observes. 540. struck laws burden situations legislature singled segment adverse treatment, see, (re tricting television), treatment compared similarly situated enterprises, 578, 1368, form, content, nature, purpose. excludes neighborhood gossips, 540, presumably Legislature gossips pose danger do. Simply put: wanted widespread distribution names, enacted possible achieving end. "underinclusiveness" "underinclusive." lawsuit deems underinclusive, accurately, appellee's Juris. Statement A10. review, litigation), whole latter, recognize facts.3 quite fears scot same (or similar) regime taxed. myopic focus ignores probability comprehensive gives credit being. neither "dissemination" nor imposed setting aside compelled cases. recommend 52 people, which—though true—may order" penalize accepts invitation, 10-11, obliterate noteworthy legal inventions 20th century: W. Prosser, J. Wade, V. Schwartz, 951-952 (8th ed. 1988). say obliteration follow inevitably (such B.J.F.) recovering raped, remain "private facts" television.4 Of absolute. widely vindicating 193 (1890), recognized conflicts public's know concern—and sometimes, latter trump former. 214-215. Resolving difficult matter, fault attempting strike two, according weight side equation, other. differently. Writing Ninth Circuit, Judge Merrill eloquently: 55 "Does spirit Bill Rights individuals pry unnewsworthy fellowmen? areas quality reasonably acceptable. limitations members." Virgil 527 F.2d 1122, 1128 cert. denied, 425 998, 96 2215, 823 (1976). Ironically, too, occasion just few weeks ago, United Reporters Committee Freedom Press, 489 749, 1468, 774 (1989). There, faced request, Information Act, "rap sheet" bribing Congressman—presumably, B.J.F.'s. media's request sheet," saying: 57 maintaining practical obscurity rap-sheet high. rap sheet citizen Government's control compilation, record 'what to,' apex nadir." 780, 1485. 58 went sheets "categorical[ly]" constitutes "unwarranted" privacy. true—indeed, 59 radical departure charted course. foreshadowed. 383-384, 539-540, (1967), that—after period early century Brandeis' ascendant—the trend "modern" jurisprudence eclipse individual's wished publish. recently, acknowledged liability. Today, hit bottom slippery slope. place draw hillside: spot high enough desire peace-of-mind wake horrible tragedy. addresses, crime—and immunizing rare failed. respectfully dissent.5 entirety: "Unlawful victim.—No shall print, broadcast, printed, published, chapter. constitute misdemeanor degree, punishable 775.082, 775.083, 775.084." filing lawsuit, caption appeal, sua sponte revised caption, stating refer initials, preserve [her] interests." 883, we, discussion. So.2d, 329, Second dismissal grounds claim portions testimony assailant's trial. reasoned Broadca ting "was readily vehicle trial." 330. stated, yet "part virtue revealed "open, proceedings." Ibid., Fla.Op.Atty.Gen. 075-203 (1975). noting certified possessed jurisdiction declined hear 484 984, 108 499, 498 answered affirmative. 530 286, 287 (Fla.1988). somewhat uncharted contrasts markedly well-mapped falsehoods, long produced detailed governing multifarious aggrieved damaging untruths redress. New York Times Sullivan, 376 254, 84 710, 686 (1964); Henry Collins, 380 356, 992, 892 (1965); Rosenblatt Baer, 383 75, 86 669, 597 (1966); (1967); Greenbelt Cooperative Assn., Bresler, 398 6, 90 1537, (1970); Monitor Patriot Roy, 401 265, 91 621, (1971); Pape, 279, 633, Rosenbloom Metromedia, 403 1811, 296 (1974); Herbert Lando, 441 153, 1635, 115 (1979); Hutchinson Proxmire, 111, 2675, 411 Dun Bradstreet, Greenmoss Builders, 472 2939, 593 (1985); Philadelphia Newspapers, Hepps, 475 767, 106 1558, 89 783 (1986); Anderson Liberty Lobby, 477 242, 2505, 202 (interest proceedings); Bates Bar Arizona, 350, 2691, 810 professionalism attorneys); Nebraska Press Assn. Stuart, 427 539, 2791, 683 (1976) accused's fair trial); Virginia Pharmacy Bd. Citizens Consumer Council, 748, 1817, 346 licensed pharmacists); States, 713, 2140, 822 (1971) national security); figure's reputation). fade once 494-495, 1045-1046, invite ' very lead suppression many items public." settle whether, unlawfully source, well. raised definitively resolved (1971), reserved 837, 1540-41. address Having subsidiary independently functions impermissible restraint. 101-102, 2669-2670, "trilogy" (1977). 530-531. reliance discuss allegedly distinguish apt Publishing. Probably middle leg three. conce n appropriate, balanced rival civilized humane society. absolutist insensitivity latter. evidenced lawyer explained paper blame anguish call received, day Noting home (who babysitting children hospital), relayed threat suggested: "[I]n [threatening] call, sort blunted [B.J.F.] didn't call. Her did. pain suffering lay mother's hands. mean, my God, hospital tell [of threat]—you know, tragic, something you for." 154-155. want unduly limited, regrettable interpretation fosters irresponsibility media. Cape Publications, Hitchner, 514 1136, 1137-1138 (Fla.App.1987); Loft Fuller, 408 619, 622 (Fla.App.1981). ruling—that citizens discloses—is particularly troubling considers extensive powers collect example illustrates point. Boettger Loverro, 521 Pa. 366, 555 A.2d 1234 (1989), officers "tapped" telephone suspected bookmaking. Under Pennsylvania transcripts conversations intercepted way disclosed. Pa.Con.Stat. 5703 (1988). Another imposes "discloses" content tapped conversations. 5725. Nonetheless, preliminary hearing, prosecutor attached transcript document court. error, version remarks tap. $1,000 contents conversations, concluding individuals' outweighed communications. Boettger, 376-377, A.2d, 1239-1240. suggests erroneous. communications, though, Katz 389 347, 88 507, 576 distinct 541, 9. either. troublesome discussed above. Note, Punitive Damages Libel Law, 847 (1985).

Classification Label: 2