Annenberg Classroom - Timelines - Freedom of the Press

1735

… Truth Is A Defense Against Libel Charge

1787

… Federalist Papers' Publication Starts

1791

… First Amendment Is Ratified

1798

… Alien And Sedition Acts Signed Into Law

1864

… Lincoln Orders Two Newspapers Shut

1907

… Court Refuses To Review Publisher's Conviction

1918

… Sedition Act Of 1918 Punishes Critics Of WWI

1925

… Court: First Amendment Applies To States' Laws

1931

… Prior Restraint Ruled Unconstitutional

1936

… Court: Newspaper Circulation Tax Unconstitutional

1952

… Justices Uphold Group Libel Law

1964

… Court Establishes 'Actual Malice' Standard

1966

… Government Records Made Available To Public

1969

… Justices Uphold FCC's Fairness Doctrine

1971

… Newspapers Win Pentagon Papers Case

1972

… Court: No Reporter's Privilege Before Grand Juries

1974

… Equal Space Law For Candidates Struck Down

1975

… Court Allows Publication Of Sex-Crime Victim's Name

1976

… Justices Say Gag Orders On Press Are Prior Restraint

1977

… Court Allows Publication Of Juvenile's Identity

1978

… Justices Allow Search Warrants For Newsrooms

1979

… Right To Public Trial Is To Protect Defendant
… Court: No Shield On Editorial Process Inquiries
… Court Allows Publication Of Juvenile Offender's Name

1980

… Justices Uphold Right To Attend Criminal Trials

1982

… Court: Press Has Right To Cover All Trials

1983

… Media Access Limited In Grenada, Panama Invasions

1988

… Court Allows Censorship Of School Publications
… Parody Of Public Figures Ruled Constitutional

1990

… Court Decides Opinion Not Always Protected

1991

… Court: Newspapers Can Be Sued For Revealing Source
… Media Coverage Limited In Gulf War

2001

… Disclosure Of Illegally Intercepted Communications Protected