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libel and slander laws
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I've decided to write a play based on my own experiances of one of my numerous conditions, but i suddenly thought that some of the stuff that i want to write others probably wouldn't want seen. but if i change names and such, is that a problem?
could someone just clarify the boundaries of libel and slander in the artistic format?
thanks
(and yes i've googled and couldn't understand a lot of the stuff i found)
could someone just clarify the boundaries of libel and slander in the artistic format?
thanks
(and yes i've googled and couldn't understand a lot of the stuff i found)
0
Comments
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Writing-Books-675/Fiction-based-fact-legal.htm
I think the bottom line is as long as you are making some efforts to disguise their real identities and its not going to be the biggest selling play in the world then you will be ok. But that's just from the link.
http://www.helium.com/items/761594-understanding-the-difference-between-libel-and-slander
Scroll down halfway, for "Understanding the difference between libel and slander". Hope that helps.
Poppi
If someone says something slanderous on the telly, it's classified as libel as it's been broadcast
Best thing is to set it in a fictional place and make sure the characters are different enough from their real life counterparts that they can't be identified...
My background is in editorial as opposed to literary, so I'm not sure what the exact rules are. I would have to say talk to someone who speciailises in media law.
There are several exceptions where it may be overturned for example the information is already in the public domain, it's in the interest of the public for the information to be known (The Beckhams' injunction against him cheating with the nanny or something was overturned because the judge defined him as a role model and thus it would seem irresponsible for him to keep a squeaky clean persona with activities such as that). Etc.
Take a look at the PCC code of conduct. Not sure if it applies to literature (as I said) but gives you an idea of things you can and can't get away with.