Best Practices Tip Sheet

Abstract

Libel can be a tricky topic. Dependent upon elements as well as the medium, it could be slander or libel, or both. Knowing the elements to identify as well as other criteria will benefit those who believe they have been defamed in some way. This “Tip Sheet” is here to aid me in my future research and projects for this course.

5-1 Short Paper: Best Practices Tip Sheet

Libel is defined as, “defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures,” (Libel, 2010).

Libel

Slander, Defamation, and Libel are all related. Slander is oral defamation. Libel is printed defamation. “Defamation is the issuance of a false statement about another person, which causes that person to suffer harm. At common law, defamation actions were divided into two categories, libel and slander,” (Larson, n.d.). With internet tools such as social media and blogsites we saw a few cases involving online publications that libeled either an individual or a company. Online writers must be incredibly careful with their wording of publications. While opinions can be posted, any harmful dissemination of information can be grounds for a case of libel. Before a plaintiff can win a suit and recover damages elements of libel must be established,(Moore & Murray, 2012).

Social Media

Any media platform considered printable media is covered by libel if defamation is committed somehow. Broadcasting has different criteria. Broadcasting is spoken and therefore covered under slander. Both can be found across social media platforms. There are criteria that must be established before any claims can be considered.

Elements of Libel

“A false and defamatory statement of and concerning another; communication that is not privileged to a third-party; negligence or greater fault on the part of the plaintiff, and; actual injury arising from publication of the statements,” (Moore & Murray, 2012). These elements have deeper explanations. This is a shorthand for my Tip Sheet.

Best Practices

The Nine Ethical Values are Accuracy, Confirmation, Tenacity, Dignity, Reciprocity,Sufficiency,Equity, Community, and Diversity,(Patterson, Wilkins, & Painter, 2019). Accuracy is the process of using correct facts as well as the right words. Each word-choice has a specific use. Therefore, I have a Thesaurus on my shelf. Confirmation is a difficult practice of ensuring that the facts are genuine before disseminating them to the public. Tenacity can be interpreted as someone’s passion towards a story. The drive that ensures effort is put forth to collect the facts and ensure they are not twisted truths through confirmations. Dignity is showing respect for a story. This practice allows an individual journalist to recognize that newsgathering is a cooperative enterprise. Reciprocity covers what most of my generation knew as the “Golden Rule.” Treat others as you would like to be treated. Sufficiency is ensuring the proper use of resources for editing, thorough research, and understanding what is important. Equity is seeking justice for all involved in a controversial issue. Community is the value of social cohesion. Diversity is ensuring that all segments of the audience are covered fairly, (Patterson, Wilkins, & Painter, 2019).

References

Larson, A. (n.d.). Defamation: Libel and Slander. Retrieved 1 24, 2019, from https://www.expertlaw.com/library/personal_injury/defamation.html

Last Name, F. M. (Year). Article Title. Journal Title, Pages From - To.

Last Name, F. M. (Year). Book Title. City Name: Publisher Name.

Libel. (2010). Retrieved 1 24, 2019, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/libel

Moore, R. L., & Murray, M. D. (2012). Media Law and Ethics. New York: Routledge.

Patterson, P., Wilkins, L., & Painter, C. (2019). Media Ethics: Issues and Cases. London: The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group Inc.