Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Possible lawsuit vs community newspaper editor question

Am wondering what law may have been violated when the editor of a small town paper purposely altered a 'Letters to the Editor' missive I submitted. It was a critique of a talk show host he likes, which he completely changed the meaning of, even purposely skipping putting in the next issue in hopes I'd miss this. And yes, he signed my name to it. I know of him 'changing around' at least one other letter & wonder what law this may violate. Thank you.


Asked on 4/22/04, 10:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

Re: Possible lawsuit vs community newspaper editor question

The law does recognize a cause of action when statements or attributes are attributed to a person inaccurately.

1. Check the paper. It's likely that the editor's practice of altering the submissions is disclosed.

2. Even if there's no "heads up" printed in the paper regarding the editor's practice of altering submissions, many (if not most) people are aware that editors do this stuff with such letters. This fact weakens your case.

3. Could you convince a jury that the editor's conduct cost you something? Was your reputation damaged?

Because of the likely answers to no. 3, your case, if you have one, is probably worth peanuts. If your answers to no. 3 are significant and legit, you might have something.

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Answered on 4/23/04, 3:59 am


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