A federal appeals court yesterday ruled that Hustler magazine didn't have the right to publish decades-old nude photographs of Nancy Benoit, who was killed by her professional wrestler husband Chris two years ago.

The nudes were put out in print a year ago by the Larry Flynt-driven publication, but a lawsuit filed on Benoit's behalf says the woman asked the photographer to destroy the images 20 years ago.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling found that a notorious death doesn't give publishers a blank check to publish any images they wish -- including those not linked to a newsworthy event. Such a policy, the court warned, would mean that the entire life of any victim of a notorious slaying would instantly be open to public scrutiny.

This decision reversed an earlier ruling in the magazine's favor that said the photos were part of a legitimate matter of public interest and concern.

Court: Hustler wrong to print dead woman's photos     (AP)