Thursday, March 26, 2009

Truth not an absolute defense in libel: Court

Posted by Plus Master at 9:03 AM
 

Dozens of media firms are questioning a federal appeals court ruling that concluded truth is not an absolute defense against libel in a case concerning an e-mail sent in the firing of an office products salesman.

Fifty-one news organizations last week sought a rehearing of a 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that relied on a 1902 Massachusetts law that says truthful statements can be libelous if there also is malicious intent.

The decision in Alan S. Noonan vs. Staples Inc. exposes a "dusty old corner of libel laws" in Massachusetts that "truth is not an absolute protection" in a libel action, said Jeremy Feigelson, an attorney with Debevoise & Plimpton L.L.P. in New York.

Read the full story here on the Business Insurance website.
POSTED IN Media Liability

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