Desmond v. News & Observer
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.