Posted on 01/03/2009 1:07:55 AM PST by JohnHuang2
Please explain.
I’m glad they paid dearly for the Jewell case. I took the class a long time ago, but the professor referred to a case as an example. (I still have the textbook and can look it up, if anyone really wants me to.) The professor was trying to explain how gossip rags are able to print so much false information. She said it’s very difficult for famous people to sue them because (1) you have to prove the paper knew they were spreading a lie, and (2) if you’re famous, you have more access to the media and can refute the stories publicly.
You’re right, I’m not an attorney. Maybe an attorney here can shed more light. I don’t think Jewell qualifies as a famous person - he’s more like someone who was set up.
True, Gov. Palin made the choice to step into the national spotlight, so she's a public figure.
But, I think people here are objecting to some of the falsifications surrounding the story: for example, the press reporting that the fiance dropped out of school. But, the way it was explained to us, if the papers who carried the story can show that they were given information that led them to believe he dropped out - by pointing to a source of information, say a relative, for example - the Palins wouldn't win the case. But, as I posted in the message above, I am no attorney. Maybe someone else here knows more.
I just think you'd have trouble with suing. I am NOT an attorney.
I suppose this discussion wouldn’t be taking place on FR regarding Sarah’s lack of values if her daughter decided to have a secret abortion. Then nobody would know that two teenagers gave into their hormones and had sex. I believe family values were tested and her daughter choose to have a baby, instead of aborting it. Now, these same two kids are being responsible and raising their baby, finishing school and working.
“I suppose this discussion wouldn’t be taking place on FR regarding Sarah’s lack of values....”
I was addressing a specific remark about SLANDER. I said the truth is a legal defense against a slander charge. I provided a link to a legal explanation.
Nothing about “lack of values.”
Don’t take my reply out of context, and twist it to something it is not.
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