Despite press conferences, grandparents in child abuse case not "public figures."
Article Abstract:
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled in Foretich v. Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. that grandparents alleged to have committed child abuse are not public figures under libel law though the case arose as part of a public controversy. The lower court had ruled that they were limited public figures because they have made public appearances and the abuse allegations were the subject of an ABC television movie. While affirming that a public controversy existed, the appeals court found that the grandparents did not voluntarily assume a role of prominence in the controversy.
Publication Name: News Media & the Law
Subject: Literature/writing
ISSN: 0149-0737
Year: 1995
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Model-actress loses suit over "frightening journey."
Article Abstract:
The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit found in Harris v. Quadracci that a model-actress that had a tax evasion conviction overturned was a limited public figure for libel purposes and that she failed to prove actual malice. The lower court had ruled that she was a public figure and that the statements made about her in a 'Milwaukee Magazine' article were substantially true. The article characterized her as a 'frightening extortionist.'
Publication Name: News Media & the Law
Subject: Literature/writing
ISSN: 0149-0737
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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