Legal Document

424 U.S. 448 96 Supreme Court Reporter 958 47 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 154 TIME, INC., Petitioner,v.Mary Alice FIRESTONE. Number 74-944. Argued Oct. 14, 1975. Decided March 2, 1976. Syllabus After respondent had sought separate maintenance, her husband, the scion of a wealthy industrial family, filed counterclaim for divorce on grounds extreme cruelty and adultery. The court granted counterclaim, stating that "neither party is domesticated, within meaning term as used by Florida," "the marriage should be dissolved." On basis newspaper wire service reports information from bureau chief "stringer," petitioner published in its magazine an item reporting was "on adultery." declined to retract, brought this libel action state court. A jury verdict damages against ultimately affirmed Florida Court. Petitioner claims judgment violates rights under First Fourteenth Amendments. Held: 1. standard enunciated New York Times company versus Sullivan, 376 254, 84 710, 11 686, later extended, which bars media liability defamation public figure absent proof defamatory statements were with knowledge their falsity or reckless disregard truth, inapplicable facts case. Pp. 452-457. (a) Respondent not "public figure," since she did occupy "(a role) especial prominence affairs society," been "thrust . forefront particular controversies order influence resolution issues involved." Gertz Robert Welch, Inc., 418 323, 345, 94 2997, 3009, 41 789. 453-455. (b) Rule does automatically extend all judicial proceedings regardless whether plaintiff such who might assumed "have voluntarily exposed (himself) increased risk injury falsehood." Gertz, supra, at 3009. There no substantial reason why one involved litigation forfeit degree protection afforded law simply virtue being drawn into courtroom. 455-457. 2. No finding ever made guilty adultery reported, though contends it faithfully reproduced precise judgment, jury's verdict, upheld appeal, rejected petitioner's contention report accurate. 457-459. 3. In case this, imposes constitutional limitations (1) compensatory awards "be supported competent evidence concerning injury" (2) cannot imposed without fault. Since permits actions based elements other than reputation, there here permit assess amount injury, first these conditions satisfied. 459-461. 4. Since, however, fault part publication material, second limitation met. Though trial court's failure submit question itself establish noncompliance requirement, none courts considered determined 461-464. Fla., 305 So.2d 172, vacated remanded. John Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Pickering, Washington, D. C., petitioner. Edna L. Caruso, West Palm Beach, respondent. Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion 1 publisher Time, weekly news magazine. $100,000 appearing Time purported describe result domestic relations between husband. We certiorari, 421 909, 95 1557, 43 773 (1975), review claim Amendments Constitution. 2 * Respondent, Mary Firestone, married Russell America's wealthier families, 1961. 1964, they separated, complaint maintenance Circuit Beach County, Fla. Her husband counterclaimed lengthy issued granting requested respondent's relevant final read: 3 "This cause came hearing before upon wife's amended (alimony unconnected causes divorce), defendant husband's answer adultery, thereto setting up certain affirmative defenses. 4 "According testimony behalf defendant, extramarital escapades bizarre amatory nature would have Dr. Freud's hair curl. Other testimony, plaintiff's behalf, indicate bounding bedpartner another erotic zest satyr. inclined discount much unreliable. Nevertheless, conclusion neither 5 "In present case, abundantly clear marital discord parties has shown least susceptibility domestication, dissolved. 6 "The premises considered, thereupon 7 "ORDERED AND ADJUDGED follows: 8 "1. That equities are defendant; defendant's same hereby granted, bonds matrimony heretofore existed forever 9 "4. shall pay unto sum $3,000 per month alimony beginning January 1, 1968, like day each every thereafter until death remarriage plaintiff." App. 523-525, 528. 10 Time's editorial staff, headquartered York, alerted account fact rendered Firestone proceeding. staff subsequently received further regarding decision Miami "stringer" working special assignment area. four sources, composed following item, appeared magazine's "Milestones" section week: "DIVORCED. By Atlantic Jr., 41, heir tire fortune: Sullivan 32, his third wife; onetime schoolteacher; adultery; after six years marriage, son; 17-month intermittent produced enough adventures both sides, said judge, 'to make curl.' " 12 Within few weeks article demanded writing retraction petitioner, alleging portion "false, malicious defamatory." issue retraction.1 13 then Based respondent, entered $100,000, District Appeal, 279 389 Florida, affirmed. 172 (1974). advances several contentions contrary decisions holding Constitution limit authority impose defamation. II 14 initially liable publishing any falsehood defaming unless established "with actual malice," defined 686 (1964).2 two arguments support contention: figure" Court's extending suits individuals, see, E. g., Curtis Publishing Butts, 388 130, 87 1975, 18 1094 (1967); constituted proceeding, class subject matter deserves "actual malice" even if story proved defamatorily false inaccurate. reject arguments. 15 789 (1974), we recently purposes Amendments: 16 "For most those attain status roles society. Some positions persuasive power deemed figures purposes. More commonly, classed thrust themselves 17 assume role society, perhaps herself controversy it. because characterized "cause celebre," must figure. But so doing seeks equate controversy" interest public. Were accept reasoning, reinstate doctrine advanced plurality Rosenbloom Metromedia, 403 29, 91 1811, 29 296 (1971), concluded privilege extended falsehoods private persons whenever concern matters general interest. repudiated position, "extension test proposed abridge legitimate find unacceptable." U.S., 346, S.Ct., 3010. 19 Dissolution through sort referred difficulties extremely individuals may some reading Nor freely choose publicize propriety life. She compelled go State obtain legal release matrimony. instance "(r)esort process more voluntary realistic sense called defend interests court." Boddie Connecticut, 401 371, 376-377, 780, 785, 28 113 (1971). actions, instituting conduct, quite different General Walker Co., supra.3 "special questions." 351, 3013. hold purpose determining factual divorce. 20 For similar reasons likewise automatic extension proceedings. It argued our Nation's importance citizens justify Amendment press when events. accepted significantly confined version argument precludes imposing civil truthful contained official records open inspection. Cox Broadcasting Corporation Cohn, 420 469, 1029, 328 (1975). 21 us reasoning safeguard inaccurate statements, where established. proves too much. contain informational value implicating Amendment, but recognizing little labeling interest," phrase Rosenbloom. Whatever validity, use subject-matter classifications determine extent often improper balance competing recognition rejection weakness led eschew e focusing character plaintiff. See 344-346, 3009-3010. confining inquiry officer falsehoods," appropriate accommodation public's uninhibited equally compelling need redress libelous utterances. Cf. Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 568, 62 766, 86 L.Ed. 1031 (1942). 22 Presumptively erecting barrier plaintiffs seeking recover injuries what alleged effect depreciation individual's harm, convincing assurance sacrifice required Amendment. And instances undiscriminating approach achieve results directly odds intended. Indeed, murder Chicago police officer. 325-326, 3000. Our blanket found 23 still room application protections narrowly focused actually transpires narrowed, suggested broad. Imposing rather drastic worked justified generalized references details many, most, courtroom battles add almost nothing toward advancing debate thought provide principal Times. 270, 720; cf. Rosenblatt Baer, 383 75, 86, 669, 676, 597 (1966). while participants figures," either generally limited litigation, majority will likely resemble forum largely attempt only available them others. appears substantially otherwise afford accurate protected supra. As facts, deserving protection, see 340, 3007; think provides adequate constitutionally affords tolerable margin error requiring type III 24 urged throughout could held factually correct. view judgment. submitted instruction intended implement Florida's proceedings, 509; So.2d, 177. returning necessarily identity exist laymen. rejecting law. Because demonstration true seem preclude fault, 498-500, 1047 (Powell, J., concurring), examined predicate contention. believe properly false. 25 accurate, wife committed him This indisputably reported indisputable facts. never finding. Its provided Firestone's "counterclaim granted," specify counterclaim. appeal ground relied "lack domestication parties," theretofore recognized nonetheless dissolving record sufficient cruelty. 263 223, 225 (1972). 26 well argue decree unclear,4 license among conceivable interpretations damaging Having chosen follow tack,5 able merely plausible interpretation decree, ample conclusion, was, therefore, announced These prohibition 347, 3010, requirement injury." Id., 350, 3012. 27 latter difficulty appears. withdrew reputation eve trial, recovery consistent Gertz. Petitioner's theory seems compensable done one's predicated definition obviously decided regard measuring reputation. transform something meant base specifically listing "personal humiliation, mental anguish suffering" examples compensated consistently showing forgo prevented obtaining compensation caused her. charged, award "an money fairly adequately compensate damages," cautioned "(i)t direct natural recovered." 509. introduced injury. Several witnesses6 testified anxiety over inaccurately took stand elaborate fears young son adversely affected he grew older. $100,000. warrant re-examining determination. Lincoln Power, 151 436, 387, 38 224 (1894). IV established, damages, also charged material. findings determination defamatory, true, defamation, any, harm. 30 requirements however. Nothing requires assessment tried jury, nor appellate, do how, own systems, factfinding tasks allocated. If satisfied supportably ascertained affirm below. 31 alternative source finding, given Florida. proceed assumption required,7 penultimate paragraph recites: 32 "Furthermore, erroneous negligence segments gathering news. Supra. Pursuant time (Section 61.08, Statutes), awarded alimony. alimony, careful examination prior clearly demonstrated cruelty, thus saved humiliation accused nationwide flagrant example 'journalistic negligence.' 178. 33 indication appellate treat detail written parties, judge fact, willing read quoted passage affirming conclusion. Court, attribute language intention lower court, instance. 34 Even significance, normally accord deference reviewing here. See, g. Lyons Oklahoma, 322 596, 602-603, 64 1208, 1212-1213, 88 1481 (1944); Gallegos Nebraska, 342 55, 60-61, 72 141, 144-145, (1951) (opinion Reed, J.). belief point factfinder conscious existence nonexistence critical fact. Here 35 product part, entirely absence element system canvass 87-88, 676-677. Accordingly, remanded inconsistent opinion. 36 So ordered. 37 STEVENS consideration POWELL, whom STEWART joins, concurring. 39 adheres principles 997, evident variety views expressed perceptions differ proper avoid appearance fragmentation basic involved, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join concurrence my reaction presented review. 40 "so long define broadcaster injurious individual." 3011. Thus, elect lesser duty care,1 constraint allowing negligence. Theapplicability expressly circumstances where, here, substance statement 'makes danger apparent.' "2 348, 3011, quoting 155, 1991, (1967). shield broadcast rule strict lead intolerable self-censorship recognize compensating wrongful falsehoods. near end opinion, cited concluding "journalistic negligence." But, recognizes, Ante, 462 n. 7, 463, single applied. Assuming now apply cases kind, ultimate exercised due care circumstances: Did exercise reasonably prudent demand whose content reveals potential? 42 depends article. conclusory negligence, mentioned provision proscribed arguing grounds. ambiguity discussion efforts verify accuracy report. weighing actionable standard.3 evidence, uncontradicted, editors considerable checking publication. December 22, 1967, Time. went Saturday, 16, about 4:30 afternoon. evening 15th Associated Press dispatch wife, "he cruelty." Later evening, Daily News edition carried bulletin AP dispatch. 44 morning response sent bureau, office head excerpts strongly parties.4 message read, part: technical according Joseph Farrish [Sic], attorney adultry [Sic]." 532. stringer's included quotations opinion.5 At senior editor although member believed stringer 45 opaqueness factor assessing standard. Although personally order, Farish others portions telephone Time.6 reveal shed light stringer.7 contributed view, hence staff's 46 However characterize it, hardly model clarity. opening sentence defenses." 523. 48 commenting conflicting "extra escapades" "bounding another," states "it domesticated ." Finally, ADJUDGED": 49 "That defendants divorcee 50 remaining paragraphs relate child custody support, disposition property, attorney's fees, (respondent) reference whatever "order" "extreme cruelty" "adultery," express "that (the husband)." 51 face itself, Apart awarding indication, accompanying asserted. redundant reading, sufficed. preceded full talk explicit circumstances, sufficiently ambiguous newsmen 52 remanding unnecessary decide foregoing establishes requisite circumstances. undertaken identify out conflicts arguably resolved jury. My emphasize that, background notorious 158-159, 1993-1994,8 invited misunderstanding, supportive defense very weighed factors reaching judgment.9 accordance Gertz10 53 BRENNAN, dissenting. 54 commanded Amendment's free expression guarantee laws erroneously 55 series (1964), less modes restraint freedoms speech press, scrutiny emphasized central body politic Nation entitled communications necessary self-governance, place restraints deny instrumental means citizenry sovereignty reposed collective Constitution.1 governing harm incurred invasion privacy, directed worthy objective ensuring "essential dignity worth human being" civilized 92, 679, (1966) (Stewart, measured constraints assuring well-being expression. "calculated falsehood" Garrison Louisiana, 379 64, 85 209, 216, 125 misstatement inevitable scheme truly debate. Times, 271-272, 721-722. Therefore, accompany simple rules allow protecting misstatements "freedoms 'breathing space' 'need survive.' Ibid. "(T)o insure ascertainment truth affairs, essential protect publications ones." St. Amant Thompson, 390 727, 732, 1323, 1326, 262 (1968). reason, malice person making statement. 279-280, 725-726.2 56 Identical considerations last Term commands absolute truthfully contents reflecting Recognizing possibility privacy nevertheless constrained strong values conclude concerns. Following progeny, noted: 57 "(I)n society individual resources observe hand operations government, relies bring convenient form operations. Great responsibility accordingly placed fully accurately documents data governmental Without many representatives unable vote intelligently register opinions administration government generally. With respect particular, function serves fairness trials bear beneficial effects justice. 58 ". Public concerned benefit performed media. freedom publish conduct business." 491-492, 495, 1044. 59 Crucial "reasonable man" inadequate task safeguarding "timidity self-censorship" 496, 1046. Clearly, inadequacy related area resulting inadvertent 60 course, 2797, cut back scope evolved applicable "all communication involving concern, famous anonymous." 44, 1821. perception altered stake defamed "private individual," 349-350, 3011-3012, restricted "fault" claimed defamation.3 349-350,94 3011-3012. However, relaxed events transpiring arising unwarranted terms well-established precedents and, importantly, savages cherished encased 61 overrule Confined holds officials, actual-malice met favor actions. broader rationale Rosenbloom, today supposed remain roughly Brother White's concurring therein: gives comment servants detail, spared view." 62, 1829.4 63 ability systems. meaningful way transactions controversy.5 held: "A event. What property. Those hear transpired can impunity. perquisite judiciary enables distinguished institutions democratic suppress, edit, censor transpire it." Craig Harney, 331 367, 374, 67 1249, 1254, 1546 (1947).6 65 judiciary, areas performs indispensable "subjecting processes extensive criticism." Sheppard Maxwell, 384 333, 1507, 1515, 600 criticism, for, noted specific context labor disputes, acute are, aspect get Bridges California, 314 252, 268-269, 190, 196, 192 (1941).7 slight reflection needed insistent complex interaction controversial popular impressions thereof fundamental political changes 200 evolution system. aspects guarantees people retain control grow remote, insensitive, finally acquisitive attributes delegated Constitution.8 66 Also inevitable. complexities unfamiliarity laymen probability greater.9 "There factually, whole, notable exceptions, 68 'Some carelessness great deal attributed, candor, ignorance frequently blameworthy. newspapers conducted men rare exceptions capacity misunderstanding significance procedures, speak opinions, great. remarkable peculiar newsmen. law, lawyers best know, perplexities. 69 require impossible one. Unless judges put above obtain. misstatement, agencies democracy instruments government." Pennekamp 331, 371-372, 1049, 90 1295 (1946) (Rutledge, concurring).10 70 precisely reasons, contempt punish reporter "missed failed summarize sat case." 375, 1254. "(w)hat criminal statute beyond reach libel." 277, 724. insulates ensure avoidance crippling field affairs. To adequate, breadth predictable application. imposition 71 WHITE, furthered standards newly drafted relies, Roseloom BRENNAN relies; because, event, 73 defamatory. held, seriously "there fact." "They belong category utterances ' social as' protection. 3007, 572, 769, precondition award, alone: innocent allowed defense, deterred. Thus "(t)he matters," 341, 3007 (emphasis supplied), statements. decisions, threshold instant thereby possibly interfering State's desire contribute goal "speech matters." not. 74 1967 authorized here.* chilling matters" been, already occurred irremediable. announcing rules, 296, Fully achieved dates decisions. 75 predating interfere policy victims furthering goals all. developed designed justice induce socially desirable group future, situations announcement, Williams States, 646, 653, 1148, 1152, (1971) (plurality opinion). path 76 below concludes below, supplied agree. Furthermore, name; "convincing negligence" case; pointed "clearly demonstrated" grounded Inc.; stated flatly: 178 me "conscious determination," controls applied retroactively, 77 MARSHALL, 78 agrees consider (1974); (1967), respectfully dissent. 79 "first attention lawsuit." 78, 1841, (Marshall, dissenting). contrary, "prominent '400' "active (member) sporting set," 271 745, 751 (Fla.1972), activities predictably attracted sizable Mrs. appearances evidently frequent subscribing press-clipping service. 80 suit know noted, "marital well-known," lawsuit became "a veritable celebre circles across country." national coverage, elicited fewer articles Herald Post Far shunning publicity, conferences course 81 initiated. 352, 1013, distinguishing features figures. First, greater resort self-help: usually enjoy access channels effective opportunity counteract enjoy." 344, 82 recital makes clear, position suggest lacked relating lawsuit. countering papers covered thoroughly. presumably audience interested reached local surely ought set counter self-help viewed availability remedy relative forth minor 83 second, "more important," normative notion figures: possible someone become purposeful own," controversies" "invite(d) comment." 344-345, not, act them." choice active "sporting set" "especial Ibid., lives receive constant attention. Certainly otherwise, subscription suggests altogether uninterested publicity received. significant segment public, chose initiate significantly, fail certainty "voluntarily (herself) falsehood," entitle did. appear resists rests understatement acted manner fundamentally differs mine. resurrects avoid. acquired published. According controversy, "not 'public controversy' Gertz." 454. explanation discern "affairs 453, "legitimate" recognition. thing explicitly applicability concern." explained "would occasion forcing federal Ad hoc address 'general interest' determine, words Marshall, 'what self-government.' 79, 1837. doubt wisdom committing conscience judges." 89 appropriateness legitimacy event subject," 1837 dissenting), intend sanction controversy." Yet how understand interpret Gertz.1 all, focus analysis individual, developed, anticipated, question. Under approach, include expected attract attention, initiated lawsuit.2 figure, demonstrate is, While dispose comment. rational document always reads Incorporated Pape, 279, 633, providing rubric 459 disagree. Pape create confined. introducing discussion, 92 "(A) vast daily periodical purports descriptive somebody Said anybody Did. largest share doings accounts reports, speeches, conferences, like. 'truth' indirect presents complicated problems." 285-286, 637 original). 93 discussing attempting gist document, observed: "Where hard imagine virtually mercy unguided discretion jury." 291, 640. Surely publishers accorded leeway offer applicable. contemplated Brothers POWELL STEWART, joining rationality crucial 467-469. more, insufficient assuming correct baffling. quotes which, citing uncertain "flagrant unwilling determination" remands 97 Sure suggesting citation meaning, reflected observes affirm. Appeal negligent. 254 386, reinforces 98 therefore agree WHITE add, wholly unsupportable. sole be, reasoned, realized containing assumes squared reminded occasionally err refer subsequent history case: When lack "domestication" statutory 223 did, done. basing faulted liability. prerequisite filing action, potential complying demand. Fla.Stat.Ann. §§ 770.01-770.02 (1963). prove not." 280, 726. during satisfy inquiring reporters converts figure." Such interviews merits dispute outcome Moreover, vehicle unrelated resolution. incorrect applying truth. 292, tested standard, assistance employees saw affect maintained identical peruse deadline, contended compared minister, plus friends neighbors, physician having administer sedative reduce discomfort wrought worrying reiterating false, falsely accusing woman Per se damages. displaced presumption ruled conclusions agreed. pointing shielded "fair accurate" statement, immediately precedes text: "Careful discloses Court." 177-178. relevance concept State, elected so, gross latitude enforce 345-346, amplification limitation, "factual (does) warn potential." fatal level Ante 461-463, 7. included: 'According (husband), extra (wife) bed partner satyr.' 544. items dispatches, team, consisting researcher, writer, charge magazine, wrote, edited, checked accuracy. complete hours dispatch, spoke telephone. Time; immediately. employee. He hourly rate, guaranteed minimum work year. contacted investigate decree. entire Cantrell Forest City 419 245, 253-254, 465, 470-471, referring Firestones, indicated "their known; charges countercharges meretriciousness, flowing sides Cause similarly observed sensational colorful object coverage. well-publicized revelations. MARSHALL dissenting opinion: exists reversed added: "Nowhere negligent, intentionally truth." 390. problem infecting various understandable uncertainty exactly decided. Kalven, Case: Note Central Meaning Amendment," 1964 Sup.Ct.Rev. 191; Meiklejohn, Is An Absolute, 1961 245. Bloustein, Privacy: Philosopher, Rutgers L.Rev. Speech Syracuse 819 extends "might touch (the) fitness office" official, 77, 217 candidate office, Monitor Patriot Roy, 265, 274, 621, 626, "at hierarchy have, affairs," 85, 676 (1966), figures" "intimately important questions or, fame, shape large." 164, 1996, (1967) (Warren, C. result). serious opposite direction, 50, 1823, clarity." 728-729. knowing falsity, 726, entertaining "serious doubts" 731, 1325 damage premised pain anguish. All withdrawn trial. (Indeed, affirmatively precluded offering refute pretrial "Plaintiff's Motion Limit Testimony," 77.) subverted protective stricture possess. would, "by evidence" return old presumed supposedly outlawed 349, Anderson, Libel Self-Censorship, Tex.L.Rev. 422, 472-473 (1975); Eaton, American Law Defamation Beyond: Analytical Primer, Va.L.Rev. 1349, 1436-1437 invite "gratuitous far excess punishment "unpopular (compensation to) sustained allowance suffering alone completely abrogate summary procedures litigation. Supra, 469 218. enabling large expenses marginal frivolous suits. specter potent force threat award. 3, 450-451, "category involuntary equivalent "individual(s) action" White 1829. 61, 1828 (White, concurring): "Discussion officials subjected artificial episode unfavorable publicity. deprive place." refutes somehow respect. 378, 1256. early sympathetic observer commented: organization institution stranger greatest understanding. hears invoked occurrences day, naturally functionaries; nevertheless, examines tribunals, glance usual habits privileges bodies; magistrates chance, chance recurs day. "Scarcely arises resolved, sooner later, question." de Tocqueville, Democracy America 98, 280 (P. Bradley Knoff ed. 1948). confine "explicitly speech" "concerned behavior, personnel, unit executive, legislative, administrative." Bork, Neutral Principles Problems, Ind.L.J. 27-28 encountered summarized illustrated Respondent's counterclaiming adultery," state: Chesnut (160 83), 730, said: 'The big trouble total incapacity domestication. Seventy-five cent successful tact cushion bypass frictions. better meeting bearing scars leave. bride groom devoid yen bark puts sea jib rocks. allergy give take marriage.' 523-529. "(p)ursuant obvious "fault." impossibility errors manifested one-half previous above-quoted domestication" Judge Frank's phenomenon comparable. Frank, Courts Trial 1-3 (Atheneum 1963). Konigsberg Bar 366 36, 49, 1005, 105, (1961); Film Chicago, 365 43, 48, 391, 394, Roth 354 476, 486-487, 1304, 1309-1310, 1498 (1957); Beauharnais Illinois, 343 250, 266, 725, 735, 919 (1952); 348-349, 1038-1039, (1946); (1942); Near Minnesota, ex rel. Olson, 283 697, 715, 625, 630, 1357 (1931). official" (1964); fall exception, announced, common-law violate majority. widespread received, media, reasoned curious, titillated intrigued scandal doubt. again distinction genre real Concern. (W)e us, enhanced 'free discussion' 'robust debate' Firestone. "Nor (Mrs. Firestone's) raise untidy affair concern. Unlike actress grant new play, Firestone) patronage. Publicity, sympathy, perhaps, Irrespective subjective motives, objectively satiating appetites curious press. sum, unquestionably newsworthy, 752. decided, reaffirmed 174-175 places heavy emphasis attempted "influence of" controversy. observation example, notes 454-455, questions. becomes termed rule, Athletic Director Butts "correct." 343, 3008.

Classification Label: 2