Unlike many countries, the burden of proof for defamation is on the accuser. You must prove at some bar (based on factors like celebrity status) that the other party spoke false information, and then in most cases you must also prove ill intent. You can’t usually win a defamation suit against anti-vaxers (for example) because they genuinely believe they’re saving people by spreading the misinformation they think is true.
We’re a VERY tough country for that kind of suit, and the First Amendment is cited as the reason.
Town of 275 people, 89% black? Total of 30 white people? They should just individually name the problem people in the article
Some of them are named here…
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/6/16/2175885/-Alabama-town-got-its-first-Black-mayor-but-previous-administration-won-t-leave
and open themselves up for 30 lawsuits?
lol no
Lol lawsuits for naming elected officials in a news article? Sounds like America.
yes, libel. they’ve probably got good lawyers, after all
Defamation lawsuits are notoriously expensive and difficult to win. Meanwhile, truth is a valid defense.
Name and shame, let them dig their hole deeper.
well, best of luck with that
It’s not naming them, it’s repeating a claim, which, if not proven would be defamation.
Are black politicians immune from lying?
Your understanding of US law is slightly off.
Unlike many countries, the burden of proof for defamation is on the accuser. You must prove at some bar (based on factors like celebrity status) that the other party spoke false information, and then in most cases you must also prove ill intent. You can’t usually win a defamation suit against anti-vaxers (for example) because they genuinely believe they’re saving people by spreading the misinformation they think is true.
We’re a VERY tough country for that kind of suit, and the First Amendment is cited as the reason.
I wish the press was braver
So leak it on the darknet under a throwaway name on a burner phone on a random open wifi network, then toss the phone in a woodchipper.