New York Times Co. v. United States [1971]
403 U.S. 713 · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Issue
Whether the government could obtain a prior restraint against publication of classified material absent statutory authority, based on national security.
Held
The Court denied the injunction, holding that the government failed to meet the heavy burden of justification for a prior restraint on expression.
Exam use
Summary
Whether the government could obtain a prior restraint against publication of classified material absent statutory authority, based on national security.
Facts
Issue
Whether the government could obtain a prior restraint against publication of classified material absent statutory authority, based on national security.
Held
The Court denied the injunction, holding that the government failed to meet the heavy burden of justification for a prior restraint on expression.
Ratio Decidendi
Any system of prior restraint comes with a heavy presumption against its constitutional validity; the government must prove that publication would cause a direct, immediate, and irreparable harm to national security.
Reasoning
Essay-Ready Explanation Generator
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Reference to New York Times Co. v. United States (403 U.S. 713) strengthens a National Security Law answer because the case reflects the principle that Any system of prior restraint comes with a heavy presumption against its constitutional validity; the government must prove that publication would cause a direct, immediate, and irreparable harm to national security. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Whether the government could obtain a prior restraint against publication of classified material absent statutory authority, based on national security. The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.
Underlying Concepts
- national-security-law
- National Security Law
- Prior restraint and national security
- case authority
- exam application
Significance
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Exam Tips
Revision Checklist
- Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
- State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
- Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
- Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.