"CBS Wins Odd 'CSI' Defamation Case On Appeal" - by Eriq Gardner
('CSI' writer name her house brokers in murder episode after her attempt to buy a home went bad.)
Media laws and ethics involved in the case --- First Amendment/Libel/Privacy
Scott and Melinda Tamkin brought a lawsuit of "defamation and false light invasion of privacy" against CBS' hit drama "CSI". The show's writer Sarah Goldfinger's fictional characters portrayed in episode 913, hinting in real life the couple are "sexually deviant real estate brokers". The network responded with an anti-SLAPP motion, arguing on its free speech rights. Justice Nora Manella seems to "foreclose much of the 'libel in fiction' legal theory", and finds that the defendants' act are " in furtherance of their exercise of the right of free speech,'.
People get fired writing angry messages on facebook about their bosses and work; in this case, you get a writer upset, you have the "honor" of being written into the screenplay; which unfortunately, this one particularly deals with crimes, murders, and died bodies. However, as they are freely exercising their first amendment rights, the ethical part is questionable. I've learned that whatever you say or do, it'll somehow always come back to you with consequences.
i remembering hearing about this, agreed that it is unethical yet still free speech. in my opinion the first amendment can be overruled if it directly harms someone...im not talking about a person who claims indirect harm by free speech
ReplyDeleteInteresting case. I think because they were not named on the episode, the couple didn't have a case. Also, they would have to show material harm to get a big $$ damage award.
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