Overview
Public and private figures play distinct roles in libel law, which governs defamation cases. Public figures, such as celebrities and politicians, face a higher burden of proof, needing to demonstrate actual malice to win their cases. In contrast, private figures only need to show negligence, making ...
Key Terms
Example: Saying someone committed a crime they didn't is defamation.
Example: An article falsely accusing a politician of corruption is libel.
Example: Telling a group that someone is dishonest is slander.
Example: Publishing a story knowing it is false demonstrates actual malice.
Example: Publishing a rumor without verifying its truth can be negligence.
Example: Celebrities and politicians are often considered public figures.
Related Topics
Defamation Law
Study the broader aspects of defamation law, including slander and libel.
intermediateMedia Law
Explore the legal principles governing media practices and freedom of speech.
advancedFirst Amendment Rights
Understand the implications of the First Amendment on free speech and libel.
intermediateKey Concepts
DefamationPublic FiguresPrivate FiguresBurden of Proof