Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Florida
Political Candidate Sues Newspaper
Lets say two candidates in the same race are treated differently by the newspaper, one candidate received free press, glowing articles, endorsements, etc., while the other candidate is ignored, not given any free press, etc. The candidate receiving the positive treatment owns a business which advertises heavily in the newspaper for many years prior to the campaign, while the candidate being ignored does not own a business nor have any reason to advertise in the newspaper prior to the campaign.
The candidate who is treated positively wins the election by a landslide, while the candidate who lost is left in financial ruin and jobless.
Is there any caselaw regarding a political candidate suing a newspaper following political race?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Political Candidate Sues Newspaper
Freedom of the press gives the newspaper license to cover the news, and the candidates, in the way that it sees fit. While the coverage may not have been fair, there was apparently nothing that was untrue or libelous printed. I am afraid that a lawsuit based on the failure to win an election would be unsuccesful.
Related Questions & Answers
-
''bright line rule'' What is the bright line rule? Asked 11/08/02, 4:00 pm in United States Florida Constitutional Law