Question

In the 1967 ruling in AP v. Walker, Curtis v. Butts, the Supreme Court laid down a test for:

a) Privacy invasion
b) Slander
c) Libel
d) Copyright infringement

Answer 1

The 1967 ruling in AP v. Walker, Curtis v. Butts set forth a standard for libel involving public figures, building on the protections of free speech established in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the 1967 ruling of Curtis Publishing Co. v. Butts, the Supreme Court laid down a test for cases of libel concerning public figures. This decision extended the protections established earlier in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which mandated that public officials, to prove they were libeled, must show not only that a statement is false but also that it was published with malicious intent or what was termed "reckless disregard" for the truth. This set a higher standard for public figures to claim damages from defamation, effectively bolstering the freedom of the press against libel suits from public figures. The Court has been consistent in protecting political speech, recognizing that public figures are subject to greater scrutiny, making it more challenging for them to win libel suits. Thus, the AP v. Walker, Curtis v. Butts ruling is concerned specifically with libel, not with privacy invasion, slander, or copyright infringement.