What are legal defenses against libel?

What will be an ideal response?


Truth is the ultimate defense against a libel suit. Absolute privilege allows officials to speak publicly in their official roles without fear of libel. In examining any libelous statements, courts must determine whether the statement is fact or opinion. Hyperbole is an instance in which something is so ridiculously overblown as to not be believable by anyone of a reasonable mind. Advertisers can make similar statements about products without fear of being sued through the use of puffery. The Communications Decency Act (see Connect box) protects website owners from libel suits based on the comment sections of their websites.

Communication & Mass Media

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All of the following would be occasions of epideictic discourse except a ______.

a. graduation commencement b. wedding ceremony c. funeral eulogy d. presidential debate

Communication & Mass Media

Which of the following is NOT a factor that might mean a PR plan is necessary?

a. stable market trends b. building an audience c. enhancing brand image d. mitigating bad publicity

Communication & Mass Media

Mick qualified his claim, stating: "The main reasons young men join a gang would seem to be to family disintegration, lack of education, and lack of job opportunity." The reasonable listener would conclude that Mick _____.

A) has overstated his case B) has underestimated the importance of the cause he has identified C) lacks true conviction in his claim D) is being reasonably cautious in making his claim

Communication & Mass Media

If a company lacks intercultural competence, then it will most likely experience which of the following?

a. It will make a lot of money. b. It will lose government subsidies. c. It will have unsuccessful business ventures. d. It will attract the best workers.

Communication & Mass Media