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Simple English definitions for legal terms

libel

Read a random definition: Means Test

A quick definition of libel:

Libel is when someone says or writes something that hurts another person's reputation. This can be done through pictures, signs, or any kind of communication that is written down or printed. In the past, people could sue for libel and get money without having to prove that they were actually harmed. But now, the law says that if the person who was hurt is a public figure or if the thing that was said is about something important to the public, they have to prove that the person who said it did it on purpose and knew it was wrong. If the person who was hurt is a private person and the thing that was said is not important to the public, they can get money without having to prove that the person who said it did it on purpose.

A more thorough explanation:

Libel is a type of defamation that harms a person's reputation through written or printed communication, such as pictures, signs, or effigies. It can also damage a person's business or profession.

For example, if a newspaper publishes a false story about a politician stealing money, and the story causes people to hate and ridicule the politician, it could be considered libel.

Traditionally, libel was governed by state law, and damages could be awarded without proof of actual harm. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has limited a state's ability to award damages in libel cases, particularly those involving public officials or matters of public concern. In these cases, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with "actual malice," meaning they knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

For private individuals and matters of purely private concern, presumed and punitive damages may be awarded on a lesser showing than actual malice. However, the defamatory statements must not involve issues of public concern.

Overall, libel is a serious offense that can harm a person's reputation and livelihood. It is important to be truthful and responsible when communicating about others.

liable | libel per se

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BulbasaurNoLikeCardio
18:26
I do not think we will see a wave until after thanksgiving. Adcoms will be nice and not ruin someones thanksgiving with an R
18:28
ruin my thanksgiving law schools uwu
PerpetualCheerfulBeaver
18:53
I really thought a texas schools wave was going to hit today...guess it will be December 1
7Rings
19:00
No news is good news 😜
PerpetualCheerfulBeaver
19:10
the mentality im embracing
ClassyPleasantHeron
19:23
You will see some A waves next week, just before Thanksgiving. Schools like to give people things to talk about over the holidays.
19:26
my predict monday berk from earlier td
snow
19:33
Oregon decision rendered…
snow
19:33
Bro why don’t they just tell me lol
damn ive been under review for a month and no movement, when did u apply snow?
snow
19:39
The day apps opened. I still don’t know what the decision is tho lol
Dang. Crossing my fingers for you!!
snow
19:41
Thank you!!
shaquilleoatmeal
19:44
Snow dude wtf you been
snow
19:46
Working! I was prepping for a trial but it got reset!
snow
19:47
Have you don your gulc interview?
JumpySubsequentDolphin
19:47
@snow: snow!!!! I’m in Oregon should I break into admissions office and demand your decision be sent
shaquilleoatmeal
19:49
Better to be prepared than not, otherwise it always happens when you don’t prep
shaquilleoatmeal
19:50
Yea did it a week and half ago, told us we won’t hear anything until end of December if we’re lucky, most likely first week of jan
shaquilleoatmeal
19:50
Said no one works after Monday this week and no one works week of Christmas
shaquilleoatmeal
19:50
So holiday takes time away from app review
snow
19:54
True @shaq and do it jumpy!!
20:06
Hi everyone! Decided a bit too late that I wanted to go into law. GPA currently stands at 3.76 (one more semester to go) and I'm interested in going into immigration law. Anybody got any advice for LSAT studying and applications? I plan on taking a gap year to have some time for internships and such :)
snow
20:08
Apply for the LSAT fee waiver to try to mitigate the cost of materials! 7Sage is $1 for a year if you have the fee waiver. I also think you should try to work in an immigration firm in some way to see if it’s something you really want to pursue and to add to your resume. Good luck!!! One tip I would also give is to not sign up for the LSAT until you’re practice tests average are around the score you’re aiming for
snow
20:08
Your*
snow
20:08
You got this! :)
madollyy
20:09
thank you snow <3
Dkk
20:15
@madollyy: use LSAT Demon!
Dkk
20:16
Watch their youtube channel too
madollyy
20:23
Would an internship through CHCI help my application as well?
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