Libel Law

Statements of "pure" (1; fact or opinion) cannot be libelous.

1. Opinion

First thing a person must show is that the libelous statement has been (1; drafted or published).

1. Published

Publication of a false statement of act that seriously harms (1; whose?) reputation.

1. Someone's

The person suing for libel must show the false statement casued serious harm to (1; their what?).

1. Their reputation

(1; truth or lie) is an absolute defense to a libel claim.

1. Truth

5 ways a reporter ensures they are acting reasonably...

1. Use trustworthy sources 2. Talk to all sides 3. Report, don't sell 4. Take accurate notes 5. Evaluate your sources

Never publish a story if (1; who) doubt its truth.

1. You

Statement must be published, (1) an individual, is (2; true or false), asserts a (3; fact or opinion), and causes serious (4) to a reputation.

1. identifies 2. false 3. fact 4. harm

The person suing for libel must show that the (1; who) acted (2; reasonably or unreasonably).

1. journalist 2. unreasonably

Publication is broadly defined, and it can occur almost anywhere. Name three places other than an aricle in which libel could appear:

• headlines • photo captions • in-house ads

Four common places that could contain potentially libelous "fact" statements:

• quotes • senior wills • letters • editorials

MythBuster 1: Yes, you are responsible for published statements or material created by others - even if it comes from (1; what party).

1. A third-party

Red flag statements must include...

1. Accusations of illegal conduct/involvement w/ criminals 2. Charges of sexual misconduct/promiscuity 3. Statements that attack a person's honesty/integrity 4. Negative statements about grades or academic ability 5. Statements of racial or religious or ethic biogotory 6. Charges that question the person's stability (financially) 7. Statements that negatively affect a person's ability in their job

A mix of "fact" and opinion (1; can or cannot) be libelous.

1. Can

Libel is the publication of a false statement of (1; fact or opinion) that seriously (2; benefits or harms) someone's reputation.

1. Fact 2. Harms

You can (1) the person by description.

1. Identify

If no "identification" of the individual is made, then a person cannot successfully sue for (1; slander or libel).

1. Libel

Printed defamation is (1; libel or slander) Spoken defamation is (2; libel or slander).

1. Libel 2. Slander

What can occasionally prompt threats of libel of other lawsuits by others?

Satire, jokes, cartoons