Reading Study Guide for Creech, Chapter 10


















Libel versus Slander (p. 317)
Elements of Actionable Libel
Defamation
o Direct Libel – per se
o “Alleged” Doesn’t Get You off the Hook
o Indirect Libel – per quod (including Pitts v. Spokane Chronicle Co.)
Innocent Construction Rule
Identification (including how N.Y. Times v. Sullivan demonstrates this)
Common Law Defenses, including:
o Truth
o Privilege (also know the distinction between absolute and qualified privilege)
o Fair Comment
Neutral Reportage
Damages (including compensatory, actual and punitive)
Retractions Statutes
Statute of Limitations
Consent
The Constitutional Defense (and the Burden of Proof in such defenses)
o N.Y. Times v. Sullivan
Extensions of the Public Official Doctrine (public figures)
Expansion of the Public Figure Test
o Know Rosenblatt v. Baer outcome on this
Actual Malice
Summary Judgment
Group Libel
Defaming the deceased (under Criminal Libel on p. 349)