A recent settlement between ABC and Donald Trump over defamation highlights tensions in journalism. It raises questions about whether media outlets should stand firm against powerful figures or settle quickly to avoid lengthy legal battles.
The legal standard for defamation is quite high, requiring proof of actual malice. This means journalists can make mistakes without facing severe penalties, as long as they aren't knowingly spreading false information.
Many in the press are concerned that settling this lawsuit could set a troubling precedent and make journalists more hesitant to report on powerful people, potentially stifling free speech and critical journalism.
A new bill in Florida aims to treat accusations of transphobia as defamation with a $35K penalty.
The bill restricts the ability to defend against defamation lawsuits by not allowing the use of scientific or religious beliefs.
This bill has the potential to significantly restrict free speech in Florida, especially when it comes to reporting on discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
In our legal system, the idea of rule of law versus lawfare hinges on whether prosecution depends on the severity of crimes and quality of evidence or on personal agendas of law enforcers.
Civil cases such as the one involving Trump being sued for inflated property values show how legal actions can have significant financial consequences, even without direct harm.
Charges against Trump related to election interference bring up the debate of what actions should be considered criminal in the political realm and the potential threats to the democratic system.
The Dominion v. Fox trial in the Delaware Superior Court involves high-profile personalities and is expected to be a dramatic and historic event.
The case touches on themes of norm-breaking and the challenges of handling significant legal cases in courts such as Delaware's Court of Chancery.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, is anticipated to result in an appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court or potentially even the Supreme Court of the United States due to First Amendment considerations.
Many Americans, especially young people on the left, are losing belief in free speech and the First Amendment.
Social media censorship is a crucial issue, with concerns about misinformation and how it is defined.
Elite institutions, journalists, and academics have shown a diminishing appetite for free expression, with Donald Trump's election in 2016 being a significant trigger.