Libel and Slander

Sabrina N, Dana M, Erika K and Connor C

What it is..

Libel is the publication of words, pictures or symbols of false statements or facts that harm another's reputation.

Importance-Student journalists should know this so they don’t use false information.-They know that you can get caught for it and there are punishments.-Avoid damaging someone else's reputation and if you get caught it could ruin your own.

DifferenceSlander is the spoken version of libel.

It’s harder to find examples on Slander

ExampleCelebrities complain that

the news gossips about them.

Kate Hudson and Kate Winslet sued a magazine company for putting false information about their weight and height.

Google images

Exploring Journalism and the Media

ExampleAvery Doninger was head of a group

that planned an event for school and when the principal said it was cancelled and moved to another day she trashed talked the office workers online saying it was their fault. The office found out and she was not allowed to be leader of the group. www.splc.org

Ramifications

-Punishments vary whether the issue is minor or major (go to court, get sued, get jobs taken away)

-Libel often has greater legal consequences

Avoid ItResearch- if you aren’t sure look more into it

Don’t vary informationOnly say what’s on-the-recordDon’t add opinionsReview your information

QuizWhat is the difference between libel and slander?

Why is slander harder to prove?What are ways you can prevent libel?

What types of punishments are there for it?