Avoiding Accusations of Libel
Although the First Amendment allows you to have freedom of speech and press it does not allow you defame or make false accusations and misleading statements against other individuals. Should these statements cause injury to a person or potential harm a person can sue in a court of law for defamation and libel. Journalist must know how to protect themselves against being accused of libel. Here’s a look at how to avoid these types of accusations.
The first way to avoid these types of accusations is to make sure that you double and triple check your sources. It’s absolutely essential that any statement that you write or say about another individual is 100% true. Even if what you write and say is true is a good idea to make sure that you have proof to back up what you’re saying. There are certain guidelines that allow media workers to know whatever resources are available to them and can be used should the accusation of deformation come up.
Another way to avoid these types of accusations is to gain the advice of a legal attorney. If you are a journalist who is constantly making statements against other individuals it is important that you seek the advice of an attorney to make sure what you’re saying is covered by the law. These attorneys can help you avoid lawsuits and make sure the resources that you have will help you should this to be brought to court.
The last way to avoid these types of accusations is make sure that all records that you keep regarding any type of statement that you make is completely thorough. You should keep a record of where you made the statement, what was said, who with it was set against and places where you can reference the facts regarding a statement that you made. Keep the notes like this will make it easier should you find yourself in legal trouble regarding what you printed or said.