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

"The government can only restrict information that could present an immediate threat to security or the public."

In New York Times v. United States (the Pentagon Papers case), the Court held prior restraint is presumptively unconstitutional and may be upheld only in exceptional circumstances where the government shows publication would cause a direct, immediate, and irreparable harm to national security.