The Actual Malice Rule

Petronila A.

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The Actual Malice Rule

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The Actual Malice Rule, regal requirements, newspaper columns

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Abstract

The actual malice rule is one of the regal requirements needed to prove slander against government officials and public figures. When false information is given, with knowledge that the information is false, this condition is known as actual malice. There is a difference between common malice law and actual malice rule. Common malice law is applied in a condition where the information given was false, with the intention of hurting or tinting the image of a specific person or group. Both these rules are used to show slander in court but in different contexts. The rule helps a lot in cases involving slander.

Ever since 1964, the cases involved with slander are overseen by the constitution. There are special rules that are used to give directions on these cases. The rule applies a lot in the media fraternity. The actual malice rule originated from the media as a measure to protect themselves from prosecution from statements published that were false. The rule has helped in solving many cases. The rule has been there for a long time. In 1985, the rule got opposition from many sectors. There were tabloids and newspaper columns, which wrote articles about the disadvantages of the rule. The highest court in the land believes that this unique exemption for the mass media advocates vigorous and opens debate on radical issues. It trusts the guiltless person must be forwent for the betterment of the world (Epstein) the actual malice rule has provided parameters for people to escape justice by simply stating gross negligence.

Introduction
Ethical issues in journalism
Ethical issues in advertising (sexism and children)
Ethical issues in public relations
Ethical issues in entertainment
Conclusion

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[...] Many end up thinking that life is as if what they see portrayed in music and videos. They end up corrupting their morals and become a menace to the society. Ethical issues in entertainment should be taken seriously. The dangers of not taking this seriously are many and eventually corrupt the morals of children and grownups (Coyne). Works Cited Coyne, Richard. Ethical problems (the list). Web. 21-11-2011. http://mediacultureclass.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/ethical-problems- the-list/ Epstein, Richard. Actual malice should go. Web. February http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-02-18/news/8501100242_1_damage- awards-actual-malice-libel Ethics Net. Rules of ethics in journalism. Web. [...]

[...] In places of work, conflicts are bound to happen. It is the work of the public officer to help defuse these problems amicably. The public relation officer should listen to both sides and make an informed decision on how to solve the issue. Honesty is one of the most important ethical issues in public relation. Public relation officers should follow the highest morals of accurateness and certainty in progressing the welfares of those who are represented. Honesty is also an integral part in shaping the character of a perfect public relation officer (PRSA). [...]

[...] They help consumers know what products are in the market. The objective of an advertisement is to wow the customer and convince the customer to buy the product. For many years, advertisements have been criticized for the way they portray the message. These critics have been because of the advertisements flaunting ethical issues. Advertising is also guided by ethics that allow fair play and creation of good advertisements (Singh, Vij). The two issues that this advertisement faults are sexism and children. [...]

[...] There is a difference between common malice law and actual malice rule. Common malice law is applied in a condition where the information given was false, with the intention of hurting or tinting the image of a specific person or group. Both these rules are used to show slander in court but in different contexts. The rule helps a lot in cases involving slander. Ever since 1964, the cases involved with slander are overseen by the constitution. There are special rules that are used to give directions on these cases. [...]

[...] It lacks values and instead of serving the intended purpose, it goes on to put bad ideas in a person's head. One of the most faulted ethical issues in entertainment is bad language. Many songs and movies contain bad languages. People end up adopting this foul language and use it in day to day life. This kind of language hurts the reputation of an individual. It taints the image of an up write a character. Bad language has also a negative effect to our children. They fail a lot in their studies because of using bad language to communicate. [...]

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