Nebraska Press Assn. v. Stuart

Case: Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart 427 U.S. 539 Decision: 9-0, delivered by Chief Justice Burger Facts: Erwin Charles Simants was a suspect of sexual assault and the murdering six members of the Kellie family in their home in Sutherland, Nebraska. Simants had confessed to law enforcement officers and had disclosed information to other private parties. This murder attracted attention to the town from local and nation news broadcasters. Simants’ attorney and the county attorney met before a judge to enact restrictions on what matters the press can report on to ensure a fair trial, due to its mass coverage. This enraged a group of Nebraskan reports and broadcasters who claimed this infringed on their First Amendment rights and took the matter to court. Procedural History: At the trial court the judge…