Firing Line
The Right to Make Fun of Public Figures
S23 • E20 Jul 6, 1988 60m
Hustler had published a satire which included Jerry Falwell having sexual relations with his own mother, and Mr. Falwell had sued. Some had expected the Rehnquist Court to take the opportunity to modify the "New York Times rule" on libel suits involving public figures, but instead of softening the rule it held that obvious satire does not constitute "reckless disregard for the truth."