Explains a type of lawsuit called a Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) action. Notes that a number of states have passed anti-SLAPP laws. Contends that this development in libel law is relevant to student publications advisers. (PM)

Presents a communication and law analysis focusing on the use of survey research in Wayne Newton's libel litigation against NBC. Argues that legal proof is currently less rigorous than proof demanded by sound social science. Argues that Newton's lawyers' argument that survey research shows the large monetary award restored the entertainer's…

Defamation is a common-law claim for liability that encompasses "libel," which is the written form, and "slander," which is the oral form. School principals can be plaintiffs or defendants in defamation suits. Relevant case law provides illustrations of the various elements of defamation for both roles of the principal. Court…

Discusses a British case involving an insurance sales director's dismissal with unfavorable references and a California Supreme Court case involving "unreserved" references provided for a vice-principal accused of sexual misconduct in three districts. Some schools are declining to write references and/or confirming only factual details…

Confidentiality of student educational records is a serious issue. Disclosure of sensitive information in a student's personal file without prior written consent can be legally troublesome, especially when information is transmitted to others who have no legitimate educational interest in the student. Damaging information disclosed to a third…

Analyzes lower court decisions citing the 1990 United States Supreme Court "Milkovich" decision to illustrate that earlier Supreme Court decisions continue to provide constitutional protection for most newspaper articles, editorial commentary, and other forms of opinionated speech. Shows that most libel cases involving opinion since…

A Connecticut teacher who was fired after being accused of improperly touching a student tells the story of his ordeal. In the months following his termination, his mental health deteriorated as the media made frequent sensational reports. He feels, even if he wins his countersuit, he cannot be fully vindicated. (SM)

Requests to write letters of reference for former teachers can be legally problematic. Principals should know relevant state laws; have employees sign a release from liability; provide only factual information; maintain fair personnel files; avoid telephone recommendations; disclose information on a need-to-know basis; and avoid performance…

The Media and Law section of this collection of conference presentations contains the following 12 papers: "An Analysis of the Role of Insurance, Prepublication Review and Correction Policies in Threatened and Actual Libel Suits" (Elizabeth K. Hansen and Roy L. Moore); "Private Defamation Plaintiffs and Falsity since 'Philadelphia…

Examines responses to misleading word-picture combinations. Finds that in contexts where race and gender can play a role in audience members' construction of meaning, the conditions may be conducive to the creation of libel. Shows how nothing literally defamatory was communicated, yet many subjects made just such linkages, both immediately and…

This proceedings contain 18 papers on American journalism history before the 20th century. Papers in the proceedings are: "Military and Press Discord during the Civil War: Foreshadowing of Future Disputes" (Maury M. Breecher); "The Missouri Press Association: A Study of the Beginning Motivations, 1867-1876" (Stephen A.…

A review of the literature useful for public relations researchers and students explored the primary legal concerns that public relations practitioners face, including first amendment rights, insider trading, regulations when working with foreign organizations, disclosure, privacy, copyright/trademark law, advertising, and defamation. Public…

Noting that more people write for The Associated Press (AP) than for any single newspaper in the world and that its style defines clear writing, this book presents more than 5000 entries that present AP's rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage, with extra sections about reporting business and sports. The book, considered essential for…

Discusses several defamation cases involving school executives' written or spoken statements about terminated employees' performance and qualifications. Pays special attention to lawsuits hinging on administrators' and board members' informal remarks about school employees, outlining permissible behaviors and suggesting ways to avoid defamation…

Contributes to gender/legal scholarship and theory by examining how the U.S. judicial system treats men and women differently in terms of reputational harm. Places both court cases and legislative enactments in the context of the development of women's history. Shows that women's reputations are generally discussed in terms of virtue, while men's…