Applying Libel Rules Essay
To succeed in a successful libel claim, the plaintiff must provide the court with the potential
defamatory statements and distinguish whether the statements are considered libel or
slander. Libel is either written or published,
Protection of News
Sources
subpoena
search warrant
Zurcher v. Stanford Daily (1978)
Court: not a First Amendment issue
instead, a Fourth Amendment issue
protection against unreasonable searches and
seizures
Protection of News
Sources
Privacy Protec
Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA)
Detroit Free Press v. Dept. of Justice
(2016)
reversing a 20-year precedent and holding
that FOIA Exemption 7(c) can justify the
withholding of criminal suspect mug shots
Exemption 7(c)
protection for law enforcement
Libel Defined/The Plaintiffs Case
a statement of fact (not opinion).
that is published.
that is of and concerning someone (identification).
that injures the reputation of that person (its defamatory).
that is false.
and is the result of fault by the defen
JMC 402
Mass Communication Law
Spring, 2017
CRONK 202
M, W: 3:00 4:15
Dr. Joseph Russomanno
Office: CRONK 371
(602) 496-6602
e-mail: [email protected]
Office hours: M, W: 10:00-11:30,
1:30-2:30
Books
Speaking Our Minds: Conversations With the People Behind La
Libel Defined/The Plaintiffs Case
A statement of fact (not opinion).
that is published.
of and concerning someone (identification).
that injures the reputation of that person (its
defamatory).
that is false.
and is the result of fault by the defendant.
Protection of News
Sources Reporter's Privilege
refused to disclose a source she
characterized as confidential
did not write an article using
information from that source
found in contempt of court
Judith Miller
by a federal judge
ruling appealed to U
Hon. Neil Gorsuch
U.S. Supreme Court nominee
Libel
Damaging an individuals reputation by
communicating false information.
Libel
Balancing interests
Freedom of speech, press, expression
vs.
?
Libel
Balancing interests
Freedom of speech, press, expressio
Study Guide, Exam III
Underlined items are those that represent short answer exam questions. All
other questions will be multiple-choice.
Things to know and know about:
the principle that laws apply to all people
to whom any newsgathering privileges perta
Things to know and know about:
the newest Supreme Court nominee
the purpose of libel law
chilling effect
the elements of the libel plaintiffs case, and how many of them a plaintiff
must prove to win a case
why some states have regulated Strategic Lawsuits
Media Law Outline
Week One
Chapter 1 - The Rule of Law: Law in a Changing Communication Environment
The Court System
o Jurisdiction - refers to a courts authority to hear a case
Every court has its own jurisdiction
o Trial Courts - reach decisions by ap
Week 3 Essay
One cause of action the governor would be likely to pursue is defamation;
since it was a published story, he would go forth with libel as his defense. To prevail
in a libel suit, the governor would need to prove that I made a statement of fac
Week 4 Essay
Im a reporter in Arizona and I reported on a story that has brought
up two legal concerns.
I have used a confidential source in my story and the police are
planning to take me to court if I refuse to divulge the identity. Making me do
so infr
Week 6 Case Brief
Rupa Marya v. Warner Chappell Music
Background Facts
Back in the 1800s, sisters Mildred and Patty Hill, created multiple songs to be sung to
kindergarten children. Amongst these songs was Good Morning to All, whos lyrics are as
follows:
Final Project MCO 503
Santilli: Not Guilty of Incitement
Peter Santilli, a 51-year-old independent broadcaster, was
arrested and charged a couple years back in connection with the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation. During the 41-day
occupation,
September 23, 2016
Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia
Background Facts
Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia is case involving media access to courtrooms during a murder
trial.
Stevenson is being tried for murder. After three mistrials, Stevensons defe
JMC 402
Spring 2017
Exam I Study Guide
Things to know and know about:
the First Amendment
rule of law
sources of law, as discussed in class
stare decisis/precedent
judicial review
U.S. courts systems, as discussed in class
models/theories of freedom of ex
