'Fair report' privilege recognized for coverage of official proceedings: right was implied in earlier case
Article Abstract:
The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in Hayes v. Newspapers of New Hampshire, Inc. that the fair report privilege does apply in New Hampshire to news reporting on official proceedings. The newspaper had reported on discussions at a public meeting on the misconduct of members of a particular family. The plaintiff argued that the state had not and should not recognize the fair report privilege as a defense to libel charges. The Supreme Court did and remanded to the trial court to determine whether the privilege applied.
Publication Name: News Media & the Law
Subject: Literature/writing
ISSN: 0149-0737
Year: 1997
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'David Duke' comparison not opinion: court rules charge of electioneering can be defamatory
Article Abstract:
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned motions to dismiss granted by the lower courts in MacElree v. Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. because statements in the newspaper article at issue could constitute defamation. The lower courts had found that calling the district attorney racist in an article that was not about him was not actionable. The plaintiff cited damage to his reputation that could result from publication of such comments. The Court agreed that the trial court should determine whether such harm resulted.
Publication Name: News Media & the Law
Subject: Literature/writing
ISSN: 0149-0737
Year: 1996
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Wiretap law of place of injury applies to interstate call
Article Abstract:
A New York trial court found in Krauss v. Globe International, Inc. that the plaintiff did not have a claim under New York state wiretap laws because one party, a reporter from The Globe, had consented to be recorded. Krauss attempted to have Pennsylvania law applied because the call was made from Pennsylvania and because that state's wiretap statute required both parties to consent. The court ruled that, since Krauss received the call while in New York, the injury occurred in New York and New York law would apply.
Publication Name: News Media & the Law
Subject: Literature/writing
ISSN: 0149-0737
Year: 1996
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- Abstracts: Court expands fair report privilege to private individuals. State high court allows use of 'wire service' defense in libel suits
- Abstracts: No 'neutral report' privilege protects republication concerning private figures. 'Fair report' privilege defeated by attempt to verify comments
- Abstracts: Computer service not responsible for libel. Opinions admissible in libel case. Alabama court send libel case back to jury
- Abstracts: Military ban on media coverage of arrival ceremonies upheld. Screenwriter ordered to testify in O.J. Simpson double-murder trial
- Abstracts: Appeal over tapes of interview denied in triple-murder case