Journalism Defamation Student Press

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

• True

• 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

• False

Material published on an “Opinion Page” or as part of an editorial cannot be libelous.

• True

• False

Cartoonists — because they are trying to be funny — cannot be successfully sued for libel.

• True

• False

All false statements of fact are libelous.

• True

• False

Truth is an absolute defense to a libel claim.

• True

• 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, go for it!

• True, but be careful. Knowing something is true and being able to prove it are two different things.

• False

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

• True

• False

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

• True

• False

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

• True

• False