Slander, Libel & Privacy 101

GorillaEsq · October 2012

I took a Constitutional Law class last year and we briefly discussed libel and whatnot. I seem to recall (correct me if I'm wrong) that libel is only something that the press can do. I know there was something that it is impossible for a private citizen to do to another private citizen... I would check my notes or my books but they're not here.

Um, no. You're probably thinking of the provisions associated with "publication." The Internet shot that whole notion all to hell.

spiregrain · October 2012

Yes! See "Wilde, Oscar: Biography."

You are a big nerd. I like it.

KinzieElise · October 2012

I took a Constitutional Law class last year and we briefly discussed libel and whatnot. I seem to recall (correct me if I'm wrong) that libel is only something that the press can do. I know there was something that it is impossible for a private citizen to do to another private citizen... I would check my notes or my books but they're not here.

Um, no. You're probably thinking of the provisions associated with "publication." The Internet shot that whole notion all to hell.

I lied. Turns out I typed my notes for studying purposes. I was thinking of the Times Standard established in New York Times v Sullivan (1964) which was expanded a couple times but the expansion I was thinking of was Gertz v Robert Welch Inc (1974) when they decided that private citizens get more protection from libel by the press since, unlike public officials and figures, they don't have easy access to the media to defend themselves. Really, because the media was involved it seems like an entirely different topic altogether.