Skip to content

Desmond v. News & Observer

Post categories

  1. Libel and Privacy
The Reporters Committee and a media coalition filed an amicus brief in the North Carolina Court of Appeals in support of…

The Reporters Committee and a media coalition filed an amicus brief in the North Carolina Court of Appeals in support of the News & Observer’s appeal of a $6 million libel verdict. RCFP’s brief focuses on the application of the actual malice standard, arguing that requiring proof of actual malice is essential to protecting First Amendment rights and preventing a chilling effect on speech on matters of public concern. The brief also argues that the plaintiff, a public official, did not meet the high burden of proving actual malice by clear and convincing evidence.

2018-05-21-Desmond-v-News-and-Observer.pdf

Stay informed by signing up for our mailing list

Keep up with our work by signing up to receive our monthly newsletter. We'll send you updates about the cases we're doing with journalists, news organizations, and documentary filmmakers working to keep you informed.