Legal Document

418 U.S. 241 94 Supreme Court Reporter 2831 41 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 730 The MIAMI HERALD PUBLISHING COMPANY, a Division of Knight Newspapers, Inc., Appellant,v.Pat L. TORNILLO, Jr. Number 73—797. Argued April 17, 1974. Decided June 25, Syllabus After appellant newspaper had refused to print appellee's replies editorials critical candidacy for state office, appellee brought suit in Florida Circuit seeking injunctive and declaratory relief damages, based on Florida's 'right reply' statute that grants political candidate right equal space answer criticism attacks his record by newspaper, making it misdemeanor the fail comply. held unconstitutional as infringing freedom press dismissed action. reversed, holding did not violate constitutional guarantees, civil remedies, including were available, remanded trial court further proceedings. Held: 1. Court's judgment is 'final' under 28 Code KF62 § 1257, thus ripe review this Court. North Dakota Pharmacy Bd. versus Snyder's Stores, 414 156, 407, 38 379. Pp. 247—248. 2. violates First Amendment's guarantee free press. 247—258. (a) Governmental compulsion newspapr publish which 'reason' tells should be published unconstitutional. Pacific KF135 P2 256. (b) operates command State same sense or regulation forbidding specified matter. (c) exacts penalty basis content imposing additional printing, composing, materials costs taking up could devoted other material may have preferred print. 256 257. (d) Even if would face no comply with forced forgo publication news opinion inclusion reply, still fails clear barriers because its intrusion into function editors choosing what goes deciding size paper treatment public issues officials. 258. 287 So.2d 78, Fla., reversed. Dan S. Paul, Miami, appellant. Jerome Atlantic Barron, Washington, D.C., appellee. [Amicus Curiae Information from page 242 intentionally omitted] Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered 1 issue case whether granting reply guarantees 2 * In fall 1972, appellee, Executive Director Classroom Teachers Association, apparently teachers' collective-bargaining agent, was House Representatives. On September 20, again 29, printed candidacy.1 response these demanded verbatim replies, defending role Association organization's accomplishments citizens Dade County. Appellant declined Court, County, actual punitive damages excess $5,000. action premised Statute 104.38 (1973), F.S.A., provides nomination election assailed regarding personal character official any has demand print, cost candidate, make newspaper's charges. must appear conspicuous place kind type charges prompted provided does take more than Failure constitutes first-degree misdemeanor.2 3 sought declaration an emergency hearing requested denied because, absent special circumstances, injunction properly against commission crime, infringement Fourteenth Amendmens Constitution. Fla.Supp. 80 (1972). concluded dictating different Judge viewed statute's vagueness serving 'to restrict stifle protected expression.' Id., at 83. Appellee's cause prejudice. 4 direct appeal, guarantees. 78 (1973).3 It speech enhanced abridged right-of-reply statute, court's view, furthered 'broad societal interest flow information public.' 82. also impermissibly vague; informs 'those who are subject conduct their part will render them liable penalties.' 85.4 Civil available statute; proceedings inconsistent opinion. 5 We postponed consideration question jurisdiction merits. 1142, 893, 39 99 (1974). II 6 Although both parties contend suggestion initially made might 1257.5 Board Drug 379 we reviewed been so conducted respecting application permit operate drug store. final purposes our jurisdiction. Under principles finality enunciated Court.6 III 7 challenged creates election. enacted 1913, only second recorded decided provisions.7 8 contends void purports regulate violation Amendment. Alternatively urged since editor know exactly words call operation. contended distinguish between comment defamatory. B 9 supporting advocates enforceable access vigorously argue government obligation ensure wide variety views reach public.8 contentions proponents set out some detail.9 time Amendment Constitution10 ratified 1791 Bill Rights broadly representative people serving. While many newspapers intensely partisan narrow views, collectively presented broad range opinions readers. Entry publishing inexpensive; pamphlets books meaningful alternatives organized expression unpopular ideas often treated events expressed covered conventional newspapers.11 A true marketplace existed there relatively easy channels communication. 10 Access submit although present superficially similar those today reality very known early years national existence. past half century communications revolution seen introduction radio television lives, promise global community through use satellites, spectre 'wired' nation means expanding cable network two-way capabilities. press, said, escaped effects revolution. Newspapers become big business far fewer serve larger literate population.12 Chains newspapers, wire services, one-newspaper towns,13 dominant features noncompetitive enormously powerful influential capacity manipulate popular change course events. Major metropolitan collaborated establish services scope.14 Such organizations provide syndicated 'interpretive reporting' well commentary, all can new school 'advocacy journalism.' 11 elimination competing most large cities, concentration control media results being owned interests own station station, important components trend toward outlets inform public. 12 result vast changes few hands power American shape opinion.15 Much editorial commentary columnists distributed nationwide and, result, told, world tends homogeneity opinion, interpretive analysis. abuses bias manipulative reportage are, likewise, said accumulations unreviewable modern empires. effect, claimed, lost ability respond contribute way debate issues. monopoly communication allows little analysis except professional journals limited readership. 13 'This organizations—like institutions—has grown increasingly remote unresponsive constituencies they depend them.' Report Task Force Twentieth Century Fund National News Council, Free Responsive Press (1973). 14 Appellee cites report Commission Freedom Press, chaired Robert M. Hutchins, stated, long ago 1947, '(t)he . earlier reality.' Responsible 15 (1947). obvious solution, dissidents when entry inexpensive, newspapers. But economic factors caused disappearance numbers newspapers,16 served almost impossible. claim 'surrogates public' carries concomitant fiduciary account stewardship.17 From premise reasoned effective insure fairness accuracy accountability affirmative informed peril 'marketplace ideas' controlled owners market. 16 Proponents enforced comfort language several decisions suggests acts sword shield, imposes obligations addition protecting regulation. Associated States, 326 1, 65 1416, 1424, 89 L.Ed. 2013 (1945), rejecting argument immune antitrust laws virtue Amendment, stated: 17 'The providing Sherman Act, here reasons contrary. That rests assumption widest possible dissemination diverse antagonistic sources essential welfare public, condition society. Surely itself shall impede afford non-governmental combinations refuge impose restraints upon constitutionally guaranteed freedom. some. Constitution, but combine keep others not. governmental interference sanction repression private interests.' (Footnote omitted.) 18 New York Times company Sullivan, 376 254, 270, 84 710, 721, 686 (1964), spoke 'a profound commitment principle uninhibited, robust, wide-open.' argued 'uninhibited, robust' 'wide-open' open plurality Rosenbloom Metromedia, 403 47, n. 15, 91 1811, 1821, 29 296 (1971), he seemed invite experimentation right-to-access press.18 19 note Douglas decade deep concern monopolies: 20 'Where one area, seldom presents two sides issue. too hammers away ideological line using position educate people, promote debate, inculcate readers philosophy, attitude—and money'. 21 give slanted contrived indeed. And problem promises get worse ..' Great 124—125, 127 (E. Cahn ed. 1963). 22 They qualified support Professor Thomas I. Emerson, written '(a) safely enforced,' believes '(g)overnment measures encourage multiplicity outlets, rather compelling represent everybody, seems preferable action.' T. System Expression 671 (1970). IV 23 However much validity found arguments, each point implementation remedy such necessarily calls mechanism, either consensual.19 If coercion, once brings about confrontation express provisions judicial gloss developed over years.20 24 foresaw problems relating government-enforced decision supra. There carefully contrasted 'compulsion print' called Association's bylaws District decree appellants 'does compel AP members anything published.' U.S., 18, S.Ct., 1425. Branzburg Hayes, 408 665, 681, 92 2646, 2656, 33 626 (1972), emphasized cases then before us 'involve intrusions assembly, prior restraint restriction publish, implied prefers withhold.' Columbia Broadcasting System, Incorporated Democratic Committee, 412 94, 117, 93 2080, 2094, 36 772 Part noted: 25 privately advance political, social, bounded factors: first, acceptance sufficient number readers—and hence advertisers—to assure financial success; second, journalistic integrity publishers.' 26 An attitude strongly adverse attempt extend echoed Members separate case. 145, 2107 (Stewart, J., concurring); id., 182 12, 2126 (Brennan, joined Marshall, dissenting). Recently, while approving bar employment advertising specifying 'male' 'female' preference, Pittsburgh Human Relations Comm'n, 413 376, 391, 2553, 2561, 37 669 took pains limit within bounds: 27 'Nor, fortiori, authorize whatever, layout, stories originated columnists, contributors. contrary, reaffirm unequivocally protection afforded issues, however controversial.' Dissenting Stewart, Douglas, view 'government agency—local, state, federal—can tell cannot.' 400, 2566. See Associates & Aldrich Mirror Co., 440 Federal Reporter, 2nd 133, 135 (CA9 1971). see beginning supra, sensitivity requirement constituted exerted otherwise implication "reason' published' responsible undoubtedly desirable goal, responsibility mandated Constitution like virtues cannot legislated. 30 amount appellant's speak 'the prevented Miami Herald saying wished'21 begs core question. Compelling publishers statue need familiar traditional patterns limitations powers. Grosjean 297 233, 244—245, 56 444, 446, 660 (1936). basif newspaper. first phase resulting compelled printing exacted terms composing correct, contends, finite technological confront broadcaster correct say that, reality, proceed infinite expansion column accommodate agency determines commands available.22 31 Faced penalties accrue arguably right-of-access conclude safe avoid controversy. Therefore, operation electrol coverage blunted reduced.23 Government-enforced inescapably 'dampens vigor limits debate,' 279, 725. Mills Alabama, 384 214, 218, 86 1434, 1437 (1966), 32 '[T]here practically universal agreement major purpose [the First] protect discussion affairs. This includes discussions candidates compulsory law editors. passive receptacle conduit news, comment, advertising.24 choice go paper, officials fair unfair—constitute exercise judgment. yet demonstrated how crucial process exercised consistent evolved time. Accordingly, ordered. 34 Reversed. 35 BRENNAN, whom REHNQUIST joins, concurring. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join which, understand it, addresses statutes implies constitutionality 'retraction' affording plaintiffs able prove defamatory falsehoods statutory require retraction. generally Note, Vindication Reputation Public Official, Harv.L.Rev. 1730, 1739—1747 (1967). WHITE, holds bars requiring office whose criticized editorials. According accepted jurisprudence, erects virtually insurmountable barrier tampering, publication, concerned. 713, 2140, 822 (1971). magazine utility 'reasonable' matters affecting printed. Cf. 220, 484 (1966). learned, continue learn, unhappy experiences nations where allowed meddle internal affairs Regardless beneficent-sounding controlling be, prefer reason applied discussion'1 remain skeptical allow insinuate rooms Nation's 'Whatever differences exist interpretations candidates, structures forms government, manner operated operated, processes. specifically selected play Thus serves designed antidote chosen keeping elected serve. Suppression praise criticize agents clamor muzzles agencies Framers thoughtfully deliberately improve society free.' 218—219, 1437. 40 Of course, always accurate, even responsible, full balance struck respect risk occasionally vital comprehensive viewpoints expressed. unlicensed Jefferson's words, '(w)here free, every man read, safe.'2 Any accommodation—any system supplant heavy hand intrusion—would censor read know. To justify advances concededly ensuring elections electorate going nerve center newspaper—the copy included given edition—collides Woven fabric unexceptionable, nonetheless timeless, sentiment 'liberty soon tries newspaper.' Z. Chafee, Government Mass Communications 633 42 obnoxious feature Legislature placed high premium individual reputational interests; certainly pervasive strong preventing redressing reputation.' Rosenblatt Baer, 383 75, 86, 669, 676, 597 Quite runs afoul elementary proposition force discretion, chooses leave newsroom floor. Whatever reside influence certain narrowly circumscribed categories material, see, e.g., Relations, (1973); 730, 2149 (White, concurring), never thought permitted dictate contents columns slant 43 though without censorship, entirely liability ibid. Among things, wholly liberty damaging reputation. At least until today, cherished average citizen's reputation enough him chance vindicate himself libel characteristically law. He unable side story retraction, opportunity win falsity recover reasonable injury. 44 Reaffirming rule attack however, throws stark consequences forged companion announced today. Gertz Welch, 323, 2997, 789 eviscerating effectiveness ordinary action, potent citizen libeled Gertz, burden proving immeasurably increased, exceedingly difficult, vindicating merely falsehood winning effect foreclosed. Needlessly, my trivializes denigrates removing afforded. 45 do mean neither form. leaves putative intact, albeit severely emaciated form; remains knowing reckless progeny, improper be. 46 One think less sustain methods allowing redeem falsely tarnished Nor doubt genuine decency, integrity, good majority journalists day maligned servant, master, citizenry, carry unrestricted hunting license prey citizen. 47 'In plain English, press; exercise.' 48 'Without lively readily instrument injustice.' Pennekamp Florida, 328 331, 356, 365, 66 1029, 1042, 90 1295 (1946) (Frankfurter, concurring) (footnote omitted). 49 me near absurdity deprecate dignity, complete mercy stage history documents, steadily becoming likely deterred threats suits. text follows: State's Laws Pat Tornillo 'LOOK who's upholding law! 'Pat Tornillo, boss Oct. runoff election, denounced opponent lacking knowledge legislator, evidenced failure file list contributions expenditures campaign required law.' 'Czar 'violation inexcusable.' led CTA strike February March 11, 1968, children taxpayers Call whatever you will, illegal act interet clearly prohibited statutes. 'We inexcusable voters sent Tallahassee occupy seat 103 Representatives.' 'FROM this—the teacher '68—come now instructions vote i.e., Crutcher Harrison Ethel Beckham, Tornillo. tracts blurbs bumper stickers pile daily mailboxes amidst continuing pouts School delivering your expense. screeds maybe wouldn't continuation disregard find aggravating. Whether defiance zoning Towers, contracts during strike, recently prohibitions soliciting funds amongst teachers, says fie try sue what's natural Tornillo's law, maybe. For kicking shin attention shakedown statesmanship. whichever acerbic prexy alleged felt ventures chock-full weal leap nab tab, Glorious Leader's salary dues checkoff else perhaps mileage staff hydrofoil. Give Pat, live Golden Rule. Our translation reads gold rule.' '104.38 Newspaper assailing election; assails malfeasance misfeasance record, gives another purpose, request immediately thereto matter replied to. person firm failing section guilty degree, punishable 775.082 775.083.' disturb Cour's proper constitutional. decision. So.2d, 85. following limiting construction statute: '(W)e hold mandate refers 'any responsive charge article libelous nor slanderous anyone else, vulgar profane.' 86. Response Appellant's Jurisdictional Statement Motion Affirm Judgment Below or, Alternative, Dismiss Appeal 4—7. Both uncertainty restricts rights. Brief 41; 79. finds urgency uncoming 1974 elections. Whichever decide merits, intolerable unanswered, Amendment; uneasy unsettled posture harm 221—222, 1438, (1966) (Douglas, concurring). Organization Better Austin Keefe, 402 415, n., 1575, 1577, test declared News-Journal Corp., 164 (Volusia County Judge's 1972). suits, instant Attorney General defended constitutionality. Press—A Right, 1641 overview Lange, Role Doctrine Regulation Media: Critical Review Assessment, 52 N.C.L.Rev. 8—9 (1973) (hereinafter Lange). 'Congress establishment religion, prohibiting thereof; abridging speech, peaceably assemble, petition redress grievances.' (1947) sometimes Commission). 15. last significant increase Bagdikian, Fat Slim Coverage, Journalism Review, (Sept./Oct. 1973). 'Nearly representing three-fifths Sunday circulation, groups chains, diversified conglomerates. One-newspaper towns rule, competition operating percent cities.' Background Paper Alfred Bolk 'Local raises serious questions diversity What local general all. And, having initiative reporting enunciation opinions, extraordinary atmosphere determine issues.' baron Machines persuaded Congress grant immunity 'failing' joint operations. Statutes-at-Large 466, 1801 et seq. 'Freedom belonging, rights democracy, people. As practical matter, Where financial, economic, conditions small minority, minority takes quasi-fiduciary characteristics.' MacLeish W. Hocking, (italics 'If fear adequately publicity involving them, solution lies direction respond, stifling concern.[*] [*] Some states adopted retraction .. 'One writer, arguing falsehoods, suggested ways discussion. 1641, 1666—1678 recognize desires exposure himself, ideas, causes. Constitutional adjudication individual's preserving reputation, actions nature focus situations harmed undesired attention. deters covering activities conceives narrowly.' independent voluntary body concerned fairness, created 1973 neutral examination claims inaccuracy. Council Press. background attached dealt detail British author European councils. Because occasion consider unconstitutionally vague. 5. 'However, devote 'live news' finite,[*] particular item, omit something else. '39 inches predetermined physical factors, advertising, increasingly, availability newsprint. .' Tulane L.Rev. 433, 438 (1974) (one footnote Another factor 'solution' adding pages 'increasingly subscribers complain bulky, unwieldy papers.' description publishers, Lange 70—71. '(L)iberty journal observed facts cow photographed plateglass window. context, interpretation selection, selection opens suppression. Then abstention discrimination selection?' Whitney California, 274 357, 375, 641, 648, 71 1095 (1927) (Brandeis, Letter Col. Charles Yancey Writings Jefferson (Lipscomb 1904).

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