In February 2019, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called for a reexamination of New York Times v. Sullivan, the celebrated case that has provided robust First Amendment protection for false and defamatory speech about public officials for 55 years. He's not alone. Many wealthy and influential people would welcome more opportunities to sue and silence critics. In a polarized nation, is the strong standard set by New York Times v. Sullivan irrelevant?

Jane Kirtley, professor and director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, will answer this question and others during the third annual First Amendment Forum entitled, “Uncommon Law: The Past, Present and Future of Libel in America.” This free public event will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Kirtley is a world-renowned expert, author and commentator on media law. She was executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press for 14 years and holds a law degree from Vanderbilt University and bachelor and master of journalism degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Forum discussion and audience Q&A will be moderated by Patrick File, Reynolds School of Journalism assistant professor of media law. The forum is sponsored by the 1 for All program, the Lerude First Amendment Endowment and KUNR.

Visit the First Amendment Forum event webpage to learn more about “Uncommon Law: The Past, Present and Future of Libel in America.”