#1
Which of the following best describes defamation?
A statement that harms the reputation of an individual or entity
ExplanationDefamation refers to a statement damaging someone's reputation.
#2
Which of the following is a defense against a defamation claim?
All of the above
ExplanationVarious defenses can be used against defamation claims.
#3
Which of the following is NOT a type of defamation?
Trespass
ExplanationTrespass isn't a form of defamation.
#4
What is the term for a defense that protects statements made in the interest of public safety or welfare?
Public interest defense
ExplanationIt's a defense for statements made in public interest.
#5
What is the difference between defamation and slander?
Defamation is a written false statement that damages a person's reputation, while slander is a spoken false statement that damages a person's reputation.
ExplanationDefamation is written, slander is spoken, both damaging reputation.
#6
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a statement to be considered defamatory?
The statement must be made in a public setting
ExplanationA statement doesn't need to be made in public to be defamatory.
#7
What is the difference between libel and slander?
Libel refers to written defamation, while slander refers to spoken defamation
ExplanationLibel is written, while slander is spoken defamation.
#8
What is the difference between defamation per se and defamation per quod?
Defamation per se involves statements that are inherently defamatory, while defamation per quod involves statements that require additional context to be defamatory
ExplanationPer se is inherently defamatory, per quod requires context.
#9
Which of the following is NOT an example of qualified privilege?
Statements made by a journalist in a news article
ExplanationJournalistic statements aren't always covered by qualified privilege.
#10
What is the statute of limitations for filing a defamation lawsuit in most jurisdictions?
2 years
ExplanationUsually, there's a 2-year time limit for defamation lawsuits.
#11
Which of the following is true regarding defamation law in the United States?
Defamation law varies significantly from state to state
ExplanationDefamation laws differ considerably across US states.
#12
In the United States, which standard must a public figure meet to prove defamation?
Actual malice
ExplanationPublic figures must prove 'actual malice' in defamation cases.
#13
What is the 'retraction statute' in defamation law?
A statute that requires defendants to retract defamatory statements within a certain timeframe after being notified
ExplanationIt's a law mandating the retraction of defamatory statements upon notification.
#14
What is the single publication rule in defamation law?
A rule that treats each publication of the same defamatory statement as a separate cause of action
ExplanationEach publication of a defamatory statement is treated as a separate offense.
#15
What is the defense of fair comment and criticism in defamation law?
A defense that allows defendants to argue that their statement was a fair assessment of the plaintiff's character or actions
ExplanationIt's a defense claiming the statement was a fair critique.
#16
What is the term for a defense that shields publishers and distributors of defamatory material from liability if they were not aware of its defamatory nature?
Innocent dissemination
ExplanationPublishers may be shielded if they were unaware of defamation.
#17
Which of the following is a common requirement for proving defamation per se?
Proof of a defamatory statement regarding a specific category of harm
ExplanationDefamation per se often requires proof of specific harm.