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Discusses issues involved in the 1977 United States Court of Appeals decision in "Edwards vs National Audubon Society," which provided a First Amendment shield for the news report of one public figure's attack on the character or performance of another. (GT)

Reports that the U.S. Court of Appeals decision in Edwards v. National Audubon Society maybe one of the most significant developments in the rapidly changing doctrine of constitutional libel law. Basis of the court's decision; Facts of the case; Reference to other cases involving similar issues.

Focuses on the social backgrounds of newspaper editors in the U.S. Traces of single personalities in the historical development of newspaper; Comparison of the editors to industrial leaders; Identification of the American editorship as an elite blessed with considerable advantages by accident of birth.