1. “Occupy position of such persuasive power and influence that they are deemed public figures for all purposes… have thrust themselves to forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence the resolution of the issues involved. In either event, they invite attention to comment” Do these two tiers of profile for pubic figures justify any comment made about them? Do movie stars and professional athletes fall under the spectrum? If so how?
2. How do gossip magazines get away with obvious acts of invasion of privacy? Paparazzi have taken their jobs to far on many occasions. They intrude on personal property as well as deny those who we consider famous the ability to live regular lives. On some occasions the Paparazzi has put the lives of stars in danger. I also wonder what the laws are for the digital reconstruction of pictures. Sometimes you will see pictures that have obviously been touched up, or added to for shock value. Is this a version of defamatory or libel, because I believe a picture could have made untrue insinuations and affect the live of those people in the public’s eyes. How are they not found guilty of Intrusion?
3. The defining of libel makes the case of JuicyCampus.com a clear breach of the law. If students are using the site to make untrue statement about other students having sexual diseases the site is clearly providing a forum for libel. Such untrue rumors could no doubt have a negative affect on the reputation of those being gossiped about, and should most definitely either be eliminated or controlled so that such acts don’t occur in the future. The question is who pays the price, the website or the student who post the statements?
1 comment:
Response to question 2)
As a public figure you are putting your self out to the public. In most occasions this is a chose. If the public figure, athlete or celebrity does not like the scrutiny they are placed under by the public they can make a decision to step down, yes paparazzi take things too far to get that “great” shot. The industry is a cash cow it’s a publicity machine. The celebrities that don’t want the attention move to Austin, Texas or Santa Fe, New Mexico they stay away from sceney bars and restaurants they lead private lives. The millions of dollars that come from endorsements plastered everywhere, movies on the big screen and music hits on the radio come with a price. You are going to be noticed everywhere you go. Public figures still have protection from libel and defamation just on a different level then a non-public figure. There are different tests used to determine criteria of libel and defamation. Many celebrities have won case suing the tabloids. So if you don’t like the heat get out of the kitchen.
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