"Needless, heedless, wanton and deliberate injury of the sort inflicted by Life's picture story is not an essential instrument of responsible journalism"

This quote by Abe Fortas is a criticism of the careless journalism that was being practiced in the 1950s. He is condemning the practice of sensationalizing stories and utilizing them to manipulate public opinion. He thinks that this type of journalism is not responsible and does not serve the public interest. He is saying that journalists must not be using their power to cause needless, heedless, wanton and purposeful injury to people or companies. He thinks that responsible journalism should be used to inform the public and not to control them. He is promoting for a more ethical method to journalism that is focused on offering precise and objective info. He believes that this is the only way to make sure that the general public is well-informed and can make informed decisions.