Study each of the following cases. Answer the questions that follow with Yes or No.

A television station aired a broadcast containing insulting remarks about a local official. The official had the broadcaster charged under a state statute that prohibited making defamatory remarks on public airwaves. The broadcaster argued that the statute was in conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s guaranty of free speech. The public official countered that the statute was legal and enforceable.
a. Can states enact laws that limit free speech?
b. Can defamatory remarks be made illegal?
c. Can a state statute be in conflict with the U.S. Constitution?