Paper, Order, or Assignment Requirements

Reading Material:
Mastering Torts: A Student’s Guide to the Law of Torts.

Chapter 22: “Defamation” (pp. 303–333)

Chapter 22 discusses the torts of libel and slander and the recourse for people whose reputation has been harmed.

Chapter 23: “Invasion of Privacy” (pp. 335–346)

In Chapter 23, you will explore the four categories of invasion of privacy: public disclosure, intrusion, publicity, and appropriation of name.

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)

Assignment

Libel, Slander, and Freedom of Speech and hyperlink to https://www.firstamendmentstudies.org/wp/libel.html

Defamation, Libel, and Slander Law

Then review the following scenario and apply what you have learned through the unit readings to the scenario. Then discuss what you have decided with your fellow classmates.

Scenario:

Laura, a television anchor in Minneapolis, reads the following text while on camera, “Today, John Doe was arrested and charged with child molestation. John Doe was caught after police pursued him on the freeway for 2 hours. Doe got out of his car and the police spent time on foot pursing him.”

Laura, disgusted, commented on camera, “That guy has been in trouble before. He’s lucky there wasn’t a hit and run today while he was on foot.” In fact, John Doe had never been in trouble or charged with any crime before.

Does John Doe have a cause of action against Laura for saying this? What defenses or privileges might Laura have, if any?

Please use APA format or Bluebook format for citations.