Hi-Lights I

Chapter 2 – libel law

Libel law

• Journalists need to be prepared to take on libel charges

• Students are NOT exempt from libel law!

Libel law

• Laws are complicated and change from state to state

• Rarely a crime – usually a civil action – citizen vs. citizen

• Penalty = $

Defenses against libel

• Truth!

• Avoid invasion of privacy – pg. 42 – face libel charges if information no longer relevant . . . Burglary charge example

Defenses against libel

• Be careful of quotes; even if you quote and attribute accurately, you can be sued for libel because you spread the libel.

• PRIVILEGED STATEMENT – official reporting from the floor of congress, state legislature, or courtroom is immune to libel charges . . .

Fair Comment

• In a review, if your facts are correct, your opinion is protected.

• “Romeo and Juliet is horrible” – okay

• “Romeo and Juliet is horrible play because Romeo survives” = not okay.