The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Following is the case brief for Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323 (1974) Case Summary of Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.: A Chicago police officer killed someone, and the victim’s family sued in civil court. The family hired Gertz as their lawyer. A magazine published false statements about Gertz, including calling him a “communist” for representing the family […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323 (1974) Case Summary of Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.: The family of a murder victim hired petitioner to be their attorney in a civil suit against the murderer. Respondent media organization published defamatory statements about petitioner, including statements that he was a Communist and framed the murderer. […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, United States Supreme Court,(1964) Case summary for New York Times Co. v. Sullivan: Sullivan was a public official who brought a claim against New York Times Co. alleging defamation. The trial court told the jury that the article contained statements which constituted slander per se and Sullivan was […]
Read moreSlander is a legal term that refers to a false, oral statement about an individual that harms his reputation or standing within the community. Slander is not a crime, but a civil wrong that is subject to being held responsible in a civil lawsuit. Statements made about a person must be factual, or they must express the legitimate opinion of […]
Read moreLibel meaning in law Libel is a legal term that refers to the making of false and malicious statements about a person in some type of print or writing. This can include false and malicious statements made in writing, printed on signs, or published on a public forum. Publishing defamatory statements or pictures through the media is also considered libel. […]
Read moreDefamation meaning in law Defamation is a legal term that refers to any statement made by a person, whether verbal or printed, that causes harm to another person’s reputation or character. A defamatory statement made in writing, or “published,” it is considered “libel,” a defamatory statement that is spoken is considered “slander.” Defamation is not considered a criminal act, but […]
Read moreIn civil law, the term “damages” refers to the sum of money that may be awarded to a party in compensation for an injury, damage to property, or other loss. There are two types of damages that may be awarded by the court, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages, also referred to as “actual damages,” provide a plaintiff with the amount […]
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