Question

Based on the New York Times v. United States case, when might it be acceptable for the government to restrict information released by the press?

The government can never restrict information released by the press.
The government can only restrict information when it could be harmful to an individual’s reputation.
The government can only restrict information released when practicing prior restraint.
The government can only restrict information that could present an immediate threat to security or the public

Answer 1

Option 4.

In New York Times v. United States (the "Pentagon Papers" case) the Court held that prior restraints on publication are presumptively unconstitutional — the government must meet a very high burden, showing publication would cause a direct, immediate, and irreparable harm to national security or the public. Mere embarrassment, political damage, or exposure of wrongdoing is not enough.