Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Pennsylvania

Why is it legal for anyone to go onto a news program and tell all the lies they want? I thought the news media had to check and make sure everything they reported was the truth. And why am I liable if I say anything about anyone and these people are not?


Asked on 3/16/11, 1:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Solomon Law Office of Andrew A. Solomon

In this country, we have freedom of the press. As a result, a newpaper or television station has a privelege and cannot be held liable for publishing or broadcasting false information UNLESS they do so with malice or bad intent. You, on the other hand, are a private citizen, and unless you are a public figure, you are not entitled to the same privelege.

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Answered on 3/17/11, 1:20 pm


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