Legal Definitions - digital sampling

Dignitary (adjective)

In a legal context, "dignitary" describes harm or injury that affects a person's sense of self-worth, reputation, honor, or emotional well-being, rather than causing physical pain or damage to their property. It refers to an offense against an individual's personal dignity, peace of mind, or standing in the community.

Here are some examples illustrating dignitary harm:

• Example 1: Defamation

  A local blogger publishes a false article accusing a community leader of embezzling funds from a charity. Although the community leader suffers no physical injury or direct financial loss from the article itself, their reputation is severely damaged, leading to public scorn and intense emotional distress.

  Explanation: The harm in this scenario is not physical or property-related. Instead, it targets the community leader's good name and standing, causing significant damage to their personal dignity and public image. This type of reputational injury is a classic example of dignitary harm.

• Example 2: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

  During a contentious divorce, one spouse repeatedly sends the other spouse deeply disturbing and threatening messages, knowing these messages will cause severe psychological anguish. The recipient develops chronic anxiety and requires therapy, but suffers no physical assault or property damage.

  Explanation: The harm here is purely emotional and psychological. The actions directly attacked the recipient's peace of mind and emotional stability, causing profound distress without any physical contact or damage to possessions. This impact on their mental and emotional well-being constitutes a dignitary injury.

• Example 3: False Light Invasion of Privacy

  A photographer takes a picture of a respected professor attending a protest for a controversial cause. The photo is then used by a news outlet to illustrate a story about a radical extremist group, implying the professor is a member, even though the professor was merely an observer and has no affiliation with the group. This misrepresentation causes the professor significant professional embarrassment and emotional distress.

  Explanation: The professor has not been physically harmed or had property damaged. However, they have been portrayed in a false and offensive light, damaging their reputation and causing distress by misrepresenting their character and beliefs. This harm to their public image and personal integrity is a form of dignitary injury.