Defenses and Privileges in Libel Law Quiz

Consent is not a defense against libel because it does not negate the falsity of the statement.

Negligence is not a defense in libel cases; truth, privilege, and fair comment are more common defenses.

Perjury is not a type of defamation; it's the act of lying under oath.

Negligence is not a common defense against a libel claim; truth, privilege, and fair comment are more commonly used defenses.

Libel refers to a defamatory statement made with malicious intent to harm someone's reputation.

Neutral reportage privilege is not a recognized defense in libel law, unlike fair comment privilege or opinion privilege.

Libel per se refers to statements inherently defamatory, such as those accusing someone of a crime or professional incompetence.

Opinion is not a key element of defamation; it's generally protected by the First Amendment.

Privilege is a legal defense that protects the republication of defamatory statements made by others, such as those made in court or legislative proceedings.

'Actual malice' in libel cases refers to making false statements with the knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan established the 'actual malice' standard, requiring public figures to prove intentional falsehood in libel cases.

Quantum of damages refers to the extent of harm or injury to reputation that must be demonstrated to recover in a defamation case.

The 'neutral reportage' privilege protects journalists from defamation liability when reporting accurately on newsworthy topics, even if the information turns out to be false.

General damages compensate for the harm to reputation in defamation cases without requiring proof of specific financial loss.