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Fear of libel suits can cause the press to self-censor, resulting in what the courts call this.

a.) Prior restraint
b.) Clear and present danger
c.) Actual malice
d.) Commercial speech

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The fear of libel suits causing the press to self-censor is known as prior restraint.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fear of libel suits causing the press to self-censor is known as prior restraint. This term refers to the government's constitutional prevention of someone from speaking or expressing themselves. The courts have ruled that instead of limiting speech before it happens, civil or criminal proceedings should be undertaken after the fact to address defamatory or illegal speech.

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