Photo Journalism 4(1+3)

Lesson 16 : Ethics and Legal Consideration for Photojournalists

Libel

Libel is a malicious publication by writing, printing, or picture, which exposes a person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or causes him or her to be shunned or to be harmed in business or personal reputation. For libel to exist, three conditions are needed:

1. the material must be published:
2. The subject must be identified, if only by inference, and
3. the material must lead to proven harm of reputation, etc.

Libel is a special condition wherein a publication is so clear in its meaning that the law presumes damage must have occurred. The best way to protect yourself from liability for libel is to caption every photograph and print that you make. Then, if the ultimate user of the photograph miscaptions or deletes your caption, you will not be responsible for any libel which may eventually occur.