WATCH: Jackson says press freedom is among First Amendment freedoms that ‘undergird our democracy’

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson said press freedom is "one of the First Amendment freedoms that undergird our democracy" and that the press holds a "general obligation of truth," during the third day of her confirmation hearings March 23.

In her response to a question from Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Jackson pointed to "well-established case law" that supports freedom of the press. Jackson noted how cases like New York Times v. Sullivan determined a higher standard of liability for press when, sometimes, journalists publish stories or statements that aren’t accurate. Jackson said in such cases, the courts have had to balance concerns about libel – people claiming they have been misrepresented by the press – and the need for the media “to do their job.”

Wednesday was senators’ final day to question Jackson, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman on the high court. On the final day of the hearings March 24, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from friends and colleagues of Jackson about her temperament and approach to the law.

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app

Find more from PBS NewsHour at

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe:

PBS NewsHour podcasts

Newsletters