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Defamation as a Tort

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TORTS ASSIGNMENT 3

The class of defamation as a tort is a complex subject as there are several things that must be considered and taken into account when litigation a case of this nature. The book defines defamation as a statement that tends to harm the reputation of another, encompassing both libel and slander. I also looked up the term Defamation in the New Mexico Rules, Statues and Uniform Jury Instructions:

13-1001. Defamation: Defined. Defamation is a wrongful [and unprivileged] injury to [a person's] reputation.

Statutes, Rules and Const. > NMRA (Unannotated) > Uniform Jury Instructions — Civil > CHAPTER 10 Defamation > 13-1001. Defamation: Defined.

59A-16-10. Defamation.

A. No person shall make, publish, disseminate or circulate, directly or indirectly, or aid, abet, counsel, procure or encourage the making, publishing, disseminating, transmission or circulation to another, of any oral or written statement or any pamphlet, circular, article or literature which is false, or maliciously critical of, or derogatory as to financial condition or otherwise as to an insurer or organization proposing to become an insurer, and which is calculated to injure such insurer, or proposed insurer, or any person engaged or proposing to engage in any of the business of or with an insurer.

B. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the penalties prescribed by Section 18 [59A-1-18 NMSA 1978] (general penalty) of the Insurance Code. History: Laws 1984, ch. 127, § 278.

Statutes, Rules and Const. > NMSA (Unannotated) > CHAPTER 59A Insurance Code > ARTICLE 16 Trade Practices and Frauds > 59A-16-10. Defamation. (1984)

13-1002. Defamation action: Prima facie case; general statement of elements.

(A) The plaintiff claims that the following communication was defamatory and entitles the plaintiff to recover damages: (B) To establish the claim of defamation on the part of defendant, the plaintiff has the burden of proving each of the following contentions: [(1) The defendant published the communication; and] [(2) The communication contains a statement of fact; and] [(3) The communication was concerning the plaintiff; and] [(4) The statement of fact was false; and] [(5) The communication was defamatory; and] [(6) The person[s] receiving the communication understood it to be defamatory; and] [(7) The defendant [knew that the communication was false or negligently failed to recognize that it was false] [or] [acted with malice]; and] [(8) The communication caused actual injury to the plaintiff's reputation; and] [(9) The defendant abused [its] privilege to publish the communication.] (C) The defendant denies the contention[s] of the plaintiff [and also claims in defense that (the communication was true)]. (D) To establish the defense of ________________________ (theory of affirmative defenses), the defendant has the burden of proving [at least one of] [each of] the following contention[s]: (NOTE: List disputed factual elements relevant to affirmative defense.) (NOTE: Repeat this format for each affirmative defense.) (E) Related to the claims, [plaintiff] [defendant] contends and has the burden of proving that: (NOTE: List each additional issue relevant to a party's claim or defense together with a statement of the elements of the claim or defense about which there is a factual question for the jury to resolve. For example, if plaintiff seeks punitive damages, or relies upon a theory of respondeat superior, those issues should be treated initially here.) (This [these] contention[s] is [are] denied by [plaintiff] [defendant].) (NOTE: Repeat this format for each issue.) (F) After considering the evidence and these instructions as a whole, you are to determine the following question[s]: (NOTE: Here repeat the disputed contentions listed in (B) supra but now in the form of questions. For example, "Was the communication defamatory?") If you decide that the answer to any of these questions is "No" you shall return a verdict for the defendant and against the plaintiff. If you decide that the answer to each of the questions presented is "Yes," then [you are to determine the following question[s]: (NOTE: Here repeat the disputed contentions listed in (C) or (D), supra, but now in the form of questions. For example, "Was the communication true?") If you decide that the answer to this [these] question[s] is [are] "Yes", then you shall return a verdict for the defendant and against the plaintiff. If instead, you answer "No" to this [any of these] question[s], then you shall determine the amount of money that will compensate plaintiff for the plaintiff's injuries and damages in accordance with the instructions which follow, and shall return a verdict for the plaintiff in the amount you determine.

Statutes, Rules and Const. > NMRA (Unannotated) > Uniform Jury Instructions — Civil > CHAPTER 10 Defamation > 13-1002. Defamation action: Prima facie case; general statement of elements.

The textbook for this coarse gives a much more simplified example of the elements of Defamation although it does not reference any specific statutes.

Coarse Textbook Page 391, Exhibit 13-2:

1. Plaintiff’s reputation is harmed or intended to be harmed. 2. Statement is reasonably interpreted by at least one person as referring to plaintiff. 3. At least one interpretation of statement could reasonably be considered defamatory. 4. Statement is false. 5. Statement is seen or heard by someone other than plaintiff (publication). 6. Defendant acts with actual malice (if plaintiff is a public official or public figure.

As one can see by the elements that have to be proven in order to find someone guilty of defamation this can be a very difficult process and could present several problems. In today’s world as far as the burden of proof goes in a defamation lawsuit, the plaintiff is responsible for proving the elements of the action. Plaintiffs who are “public figures” also bare the burden of proving that the defendant made the statements with actual malice. Public figures cannot recover punitive damages unless actual malice by the defendant is proven.

The Uniform Correction or Clarification of Defamation Act requires that a plaintiff request that the defendant either correct the statement or clarify the truth within ninety days from the time they learned the publication. If a plaintiff fails to make this request within the granted time frame their recovery of damages will be limited. Most states have retraction statutes that give the defendant a chance to “make right their wrong” and retract their statement.

The reason that laws make it harder for “public figures” to recover damages in a defamation case is because it is believed that in someway these people will have the opportunity to get back in the spotlight and clarify any false statements that have been made about them. Where the law does not see it to be as easy for the average everyday person to announce the truth about themselves in a manner that will be so wide spread and have the affect of clearing their now tarnished name. While I can see the point of this I don’t know if I really believe it to be fair. I mean sure a public figure is capable of publically defending their name, more so than you or I would be capable of doing, but I don’t think that should constitute the defendants not being held responsible for making statements they were not entitled to be making.

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