Press Law

If you disguise the subject of your story, he or she cannot successfully sue you for libel. True or False?

Editors of a print-based student newspaper can be held responsible for publishing a libelous statement even if it is made by someone else (for example, a statement in a letter to the editor, a senior quote or a personal ad). True or False?

Material published on an "Opinion Page" or as part of an editorial cannot be libelous. True or False?

Cartoonists — because they are trying to be funny — cannot be successfully sued for libel. True or False?

All false statements of fact are libelous. True or False?

Truth is an absolute defense to a libel claim. True or False?

If a reporter can get three different sources to confirm the same factual allegation, he or she cannot be successfully sued for libel. True or False?

Contacting the subject of a news story before publication can help you avoid a successful libel lawsuit. True or False?

Most high school students, because they are minors, cannot be successfully sued for libel. True or False?

Publishing an apology or retraction for a libelous statement will protect you from a successful libel claim. True or False?

Because of the important work they do, journalists have a special right to gather news in otherwise private spaces. True or False?

Truth is an absolute defense to an invasion of privacy claim. True or False?

A minor's name or photograph can be published in a newsworthy story — without parental (or guardian) permission — as long as the information published is accurate and lawfully obtained. True or False?

If a statement is newsworthy, it cannot be the basis for a successful invasion of privacy claim based on the public disclosure of a private and embarrassing fact. True or False?

Lance Lenscap is a photographer for The Student Times. While on the sidelines at Friday night's football game, Lenscap snaps a shot of the homecoming queen picking her nose while waiting to take part in the halftime festivities. The next day, the queen's mother calls the Times and threatens to sue on behalf of her daughter if Lenscap publishes the "booger shot." Lenscap shrugs, "She has no case." Lenscap is right. True or False?