DEFAMATION

TOPIC OF THE DAY

- THE MEANING OF DEFAMATION

- THE STANDARD OF A RIGHT THINKING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY

THE MEANING OF DEFAMATION

Defamation refers to the act of harming someone's reputation through false statements. It encompasses both libel (which is a written defamation) and slander (which is a spoken defamation). In legal terms, defamation requires the communication of false information that harms a person's reputation, resulting in damage or injury to their character or livelihood. See the case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan which offer legal frameworks and precedents regarding the definition and consequences of defamation.

THE STANDARD OF A RIGHT THINKING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY

The standard of "right-thinking members of society" is a legal concept used to gauge whether certain conduct or speech is acceptable within a community. It suggests that actions or expressions should align with commonly held moral or ethical principles. This standard often serves as a benchmark in cases involving defamation, obscenity, or other forms of social behavior. While not always precisely defined, it relies on societal norms and values. See the case of Miller v. California which provide examples of how this standard is applied in assessing the appropriateness of conduct or speech.