Should bloggers be held to the same standards of defamation as print journalists? A mock trial case.
Abstract
Authors of blogs out number print journalists 183 to one. This new media environment has changed the landscape of journalism and how information is shared. Despite this change in media, the courts have not updated defamation laws to encompass authors of online publications like blogs. The courts do not unanimously agree that bloggers should be treated as journalists and are eligible defendants in defamation lawsuits. This mock trial case tests the application of a three-pronged test that could be applied to blogger defendants to determine if they are eligible defendants. This test requires the court to evaluate the spread of the information posted by the blogger, if the author of the blog is seen as an authority on the information posted, and if the author of the blog profits from the spread of the information. If the author of the blog meets all of these prongs, they are eligible defamation defendants. The application of this proposed test in a mock trial case will provide the insight into whether or not juries see the test as limiting free speech or an appropriate update to defamation laws.
Semester/Year of Award
Fall 12-8-2016
Mentor
Kristeena L. Johnson
Mentor Professional Affiliation
University Programs
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Government
Department Name when Degree Awarded
Government and Economics
Recommended Citation
Maples, Allie A., "Should bloggers be held to the same standards of defamation as print journalists? A mock trial case." (2016). Honors Theses. 394.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/394
