Legal Question in Legal Ethics in South Carolina
Media responsibility as far as getting stories from public records
My husband was the first man tried in a Domestic violence case in SC. The media of course snapped up the story and began reporting stories in the paper about the case. I know that because of the arrest that the information was public record. What I am wondering is if the media has a responsibility to report accurately? There were several stories in the newspaper and tv. There are many discrepancies. Do I have a right to sue because information was falsely reported?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Media responsibility as far as getting stories from public records
The remedies for libel, slander, defamation, etc. derive from individual state's statutes. When involving newspapers generally there can be a standard of "absence of malice" as was contained in the Paul Newman movie. I would suggest that you consult a civil attorney in your area because there may be some very particular requirements of proof required to sustain an action against the newspaper and its conduct.
By the way, if you don't know any attorneys in your area contact the State Bar Association.
I'm sure they have a registry of attorneys and may have attorneys who are certified specialists which would be worth finding out and consulting.
Hope that helps.
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