: Re: What steps can be taken to avoid libel / copyright issues in social commentary? I'm interested in the social, cultural, and political landscape around me, and I think I've "got a book in me"

@Deb2945533

Vote Up Vote Down

Q1: Make sure you made it clear you are stating opinions, not facts. "He's a thief" is a libel. "In my opinion, he's a thief" is free speech. Also, until sentenced, the culprit is merely "allegedly culprit". IANAL so I'm not sure if more rules or exceptions to that don't apply.

Q2: Make sure to read up on Fair Use. It's not much of reading but it's important. Use of quotes in news reporting, criticism and commentary (and other categories not quite applicable here) is allowed. You are still required to assign credit where it's due, and note, they can still sue you for copyright violation - it's then your duty to prove before the judge that Fair Use exceptions apply. It's a protection against losing the lawsuit, not against the lawsuit.

(0)

Login to post a comment!