Legal Question in Business Law in Georgia

Legal Issues of Publishing info about wanted criminals

I want to publish a tabloid size publication that details

wanted criminals with information on who to contact if

they are seen. Also included in the publication would be

a section on recent crimes and asking for help in

solving them, and finally a section on missing persons

with their names and descriptions and other pertinent

information. My question is this: if I publish such a

publication (the information obtained will be from police

agencies, etc.) can I be sued for disclosure of such info

even though it is public domain? Can I legally publish

such information? What are my liabilities?


Asked on 6/12/03, 4:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Legal Issues of Publishing info about wanted criminals

Even though the info is in the public domain, Murphy's law tells us that some nut case may well sue you. You would be well advised to consult with (1) a local attorney about incorporating to insulate yourself from personal liability and (2) your insurance agent about liability coverage. If this type of coverage is available, one of the beauties is that the ins. co. will pay for attorneys fees if you or your corporation gets sued, in addition to any judgment. I doubt that any such lawsuit would be successful, but without liability coverage, you would have to pay an attorney out of your pocket.

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Answered on 6/12/03, 4:23 pm


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