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To: Scanian
And, yes, I know McGinness is on a witch hunt. I also know that there are libel laws.

Libel laws don't apply to public figures, you PDS moron.

128 posted on 09/14/2011 5:57:06 AM PDT by dirtboy
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To: dirtboy

You may want to check your facts. As far as I can tell, Sarah is not a public figure. She holds no public office and therefore is now just a high-profile, private citizen. Libel laws DO apply if there can be shown malicious disregard for the truth....just ask the National Enquirer when they wrote the check to settle the lawsuit with Oprah.


151 posted on 09/14/2011 6:07:13 AM PDT by offduty (Joe Biden is still looking for the video tape of FDR's address to the nation.)
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To: dirtboy

Ever hear of The Carol Burnett case?


174 posted on 09/14/2011 6:20:32 AM PDT by Scanian
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To: dirtboy

Ever hear of The Carol Burnett case?


175 posted on 09/14/2011 6:21:26 AM PDT by Scanian
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To: dirtboy

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,309881,00.html

Here you go, son.

The moron educating an ignoramus.

The fact is there is a GREATER BURDEN of proof with public figures. But they have the right to sue...and can prevail.

Burnett got a bunch of money from the Enquirer for its allegations of drunkenness in a DC restaurant(1976).


196 posted on 09/14/2011 6:31:52 AM PDT by Scanian
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To: dirtboy

New York Times v. Sullivan (the seminal U.S. Supreme Court case on the subject) does not state that libel laws don’t apply to public figure; it merely imposes a higher standard—”actual malice”—when a public figure sues someone for libel. Basically, Gov. Palin would have to prove that she was defamed with information published by the author that he knew was false or with reckless disregard as to whether or not it was true. So while it would be difficult for Palin to be successful if she sued McGuinness for libel, there is no outright prohibition on libel suits just because the person defamed is a public figure.


338 posted on 09/14/2011 8:51:15 AM PDT by AuH2ORepublican (If a politician won't protect innocent babies, what makes you think that he'll protect your rights?)
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