Assess the reasoning for the issue of free speech versus fair trial in the Supreme Court case Sheppard
v. Mitchell
a. The court decided that free speech is the reason the defendant was given a fair trial and it was important to
allow the press to print stories about the trial.
b. The court decided that a fair trial is a more important right than free speech because a fair trial allows the
accused to be free if they are not guilty of the crime.
c. The court decided that the defendant was tried by public opinion and the defendant had the right to free
speech to defend himself in the press and speak out about the trial.
d. The court decided that the attention the press gave to the case did not allow for a fair trial because of the
influence the publicity could have on the jurors and judge.