Near v. Minnesota is best known for which principle regarding the press?

• A. Establishing that prior restraint on the press is generally unconstitutional, protecting freedom of the press.
• B. Allowed government to censor newspapers in wartime.
• C. Supported censorship of newspapers by the government.
• D. Denied First Amendment protections to the press.

Answer: (B)

Prior restraint on publication is generally unconstitutional. Near v. Minnesota (1931) held that the government cannot stop a newspaper from printing material before it is published, because such pre‑publication censorship infringes the First Amendment's protection of a free press. The decision established a strong rule against prior restraints, making censorship before publication the exception rather than the rule. In practice, the press is protected from government censorship in advance, with only very narrow, extraordinary circumstances allowing any prior restraint and then under heavy scrutiny after the fact. This is why Near v. Minnesota is remembered for guarding freedom of the press, rather than permitting government censorship in wartime or denying First Amendment protections.