If someone made a satirical video about a politician set to some music can they be done for defamation?
2007-12-10 16:24:39 · 3 answers · asked by TigerTigerTiger 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
"Defamation" requires that the utterer make a false statement of fact either knowing that it's false, or with "reckless disregard" for whether it's true or not.
If the person claiming defamation is a "public figure" then the statement must also have been made with "actual malice".
Richard
2007-12-10 16:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real legal term for the crime you speak of is defamation of character. In order for someone's character to be defamed, that person has to have exhibited some character. Typically national fiigures are more thick skinned than local, but it's not a forgone conclusion that they won't attempt legal action. So be careful out there!
2007-12-10 16:41:04 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to what Richard said, obvious satire and insults are not legally defamatory, even if the target of the satire is not a public figure.
2007-12-10 16:33:01 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Placid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋