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the difference between a defamation suit involving a public figure versus a private person

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Select the best answer to the following question. What differs in a defamation suit when the plaintiff is a public figure, as opposed to when the plaintiff is not a public figure?

a. Punitive damages are available.

b. The plaintiff need not prove actual injury to the reputation.

c. The plaintiff can recover even when the statement is a mere opinion.

d. The plaintiff must prove that the statement was made with malice.

e. The plaintiff must prove that the statement was made in writing.

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Solution Summary

The difference between a defamation suit involving a public figure versus a private person is emphasized.

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As you may already know, defamation refers to false statements that harm another's reputation. It encompasses both libel and slander. Libel refers to written defamation, while slander refers to verbal defamation. Federal law prohibits a public official ...

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