<P> Since the 1964 decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, public figures like entertainers and politicians must prove actual malice was intended as opposed to simple negligence to win a libel or slander suit . For instance, public officials cannot file a lawsuit if someone makes a caricature of them or insults them . </P> <P> Although it is difficult to win a libel case in the United States, it can still be an effective means of intimidation and deterrence, since defending oneself against a lawsuit is expensive and time consuming . </P> <P> Persons engaged in legislative debate in Congress are granted complete immunity from libel and slander suits so long as they are speaking from the floor of the Senate or House of Representatives . </P> <P> Until Gitlow v. New York in the early 20th century, the First Amendment was not held to apply to states and municipalities . Entities without any prohibition in their own charters were free to censor newspapers, magazines, books, plays, movies, comedy shows, and so on, as exemplified by the phrase "banned in Boston ." </P>

What kinds of censorship are permitted in the us