The Press: Fair Game

Headlined the Dunkirk, N. Y., Observer: “Coaching System Condemned for Terrific Lacings Given Dunkirk High Football Team.” Coach Karl Hoeppner sued for libel. Last week the New York State Court of Appeals vindicated the Observer, ruled: “Everyone has a right to comment on matters of public interest and concern, provided he does so fairly and with an honest purpose. . . . Thus it has been held that books, prints, pictures, statuary publicly exhibited, and the architecture of public buildings, and actors and exhibitors are all the legitimate subjects of newspaper criticism. Such criticism, fairly and honestly made, is not libelous, however strong the terms of censure may be.”