In most states of the U.S., it is dangerous for a careless or malicious newspaper to libel individuals, but little risk at all to libel such groups as Negroes, Jews, Catholics. Only three states (Illinois, Massachusetts and Indiana) ban all libels against racial or religious blocs. Reason: most states have wisely decided that a group libel law can be as dangerous a restriction on freedom of press & speech as it is a convenient weapon to shut up hatemongers. Newsmen have generally opposed such laws for the same reason. But last week the U.S....
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