Legal Document

389 U.S. 81 88 Supreme Court Reporter 197 19 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 248 BECKLEY NEWSPAPERS CORP.v.C. Harold HANKS. Number 467. Nov. 6, 1967. Thurman Arnold and Jack Atlantic Mann, for petitioner. Harry G. Camper, Jr., respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 The petition certiorari is granted. 2 Respondent Hanks the elected Clerk of Criminal Circuit Courts Raleigh County, West Virginia. He brought this libel action in Virginia Court, Wyoming alleging that during his re-election campaign he was libeled by three editorials, highly critical official conduct, which appeared petitioner's morning newspaper. jury returned a verdict respondent awarded him $5,000 damages. State Appeals denied application appellate review. 3 Although tried subsequent to decisions New York Times company versus Sullivan, 376 254, 84 710, 11 686 (1964); Garrison Louisiana, 379 64, 85 209, 13 125 Henry Collins, 380 356, 992, 892 (1965); Rosenblatt Baer, 383 75, 86 669, 15 597 (1966), despite fact it recognized at trial principles were applicable, case went on instructions clearly impermissible. instructed part could find if shown petitioner had published editorials 'with bad or corrupt motive,' 'from personal spite, ill will desire injure plaintiff.' Because failed object erroneous interpretation trial, offered themselves inadequate, issue these not before us. However, since clear rendered upon misstated law has properly challenged sufficiency evidence, we have undertaken an independent examination record as whole 'so assure ourselves judgment does constitute forbidden intrusion field free expression.' supra, U.S., 285, S.Ct., 729. See Curtis Publishing Butts, 388 130, 156—159, 87 1975, 1992—1993, 18 1094 (1967) (opinion Mr. Justice Harlan); id., 168—170, 1998—1999 Chief Justice). 4 In held Constitution forbids recovery damages civil public official, such respondent, 'for defamatory falsehood relating conduct unless proves statement made with 'actual malice'—that is, knowledge false reckless disregard whether not.' 279—280, 726. Our satisfies us 'the proof presented show actual malice lacks convincing clarity constitutional standard demands * *.' 285—286, 728. 5 We put aside question proofs allegedly libelous statements false. If false, did contend their falsity. His contention sufficient they not. virtually only evidence bearing relates one opposition another Mrs. Elinor Hurt, president county board health, fluoridation local water supply. That editorial, captioned 'The Fluoridation Situation Remains Unchanged,' directed primarily Hurt's opposition* but also included following: 6 'Here, again, (Mrs. Hurt) seems want follow footsteps Hanks. For who ordered over telephone once name appear Beckley Post-Herald again. backed up order inexplicit threat—one merely intended frighten those are easily intimidated. 7 conclusion can come either Hurt been league toward fanatic end, believing all wild-eyed ravings against decades experience disprove them, perhaps blustering threats able intimidate lady.' (Emphasis added.) 8 Respondent's argument both testified any intimidation, following testimony general manager cross-examination provides 'convincing proof' absence prior investigation entitled 'offending charges' true: 9 'Q. But you can't tell specific man attacked articles, you? 10 'A. watch activities servant. You don't make investigation. life out front everybody. Those written anybody wanted threatened they? 12 There cause feel there possibility. possibility? 14 That's right. 'Perhaps,' said. It our opinion near facts truth get.' (Tr. 121—122.) 16 reject respondent's contention. Neither passage nor anything else reveals high degree awareness probable falsity demanded 74, 216, 125, cannot be said failure constituted present Cf. 287—288, 729—730; Time, Incorporated Hill, 385 374, 388—389, 534, 542—543, 17 456 (1967). 153—154, 1990—1991 Harlan). reversed, remanded Virginia, further proceedings inconsistent opinion. so ordered. Reversed remanded. 20 BLACK, whom DOUGLAS joins, concurs result reasons stated concurring opinions 293, 733, 686, 79, 218, 125. 21 FORTAS took no consideration decision case. When asked she ever suit other statements, replied, 'No, sir, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions big broad shoulders.' 49.)

Classification Label: 2