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Prior Restraint

Definition

Prior restraint refers to government action that prohibits speech or other forms of expression before they can take place.

Related terms

Censorship: This is the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.

First Amendment: This is an amendment to the United States Constitution that protects freedom of speech, religion and press.

Injunction: A court order requiring an individual to do or not do specific actions.

"Prior Restraint" appears in:

Subjects (1)

Intro to Political Science

Study guides (1)

AP US Government - 3.4 First Amendment: Freedom of the Press

Practice Questions (6)

What is prior restraint?
The Supreme Court ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) established a "heavy presumption against prior restraint" which means that the government must:
Which is an example of prior restraint?
What does the term "prior restraint" refer to in the context of First Amendment jurisprudence?
What is "prior restraint" as it relates to freedom of press in America?
How does Prior Restraint differ from Content Neutrality in terms of First Amendment guarantees?

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