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U.S. v. New York Times: The Pentagon Papers

The publication of secret government documents about the Vietnam War leads to a federal court conflict pitting national security against freedom of the press.

Famous Federal Trials

by Jake Kobrick, Associate Historian, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center

Learn about the case — historical background and documents

View/Download PDF (2.68 MB)

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Classroom Materials and Activities

Pentagon Papers PowerPoint Presentation (PowerPoint, 34.97 MB)
Pentagon Papers Student Handout (PDF, 35.18 KB)