Blurbs

So, with most of primetime television involving crime dramas, everyone feels like tapping the ‘Detective Within’, including myself I must admit. However, there is one little thing people often forget while they’re putting on their Dick Tracy Officially Licensed Cap and their Secret Squirrel Magnifying Glass: LIBEL LAW.

Since Wenatchee Local Mackenzie Cowell went missing and was later found deceased in the nearby resort community of Crescent Bar, the internet is abuzz with theories of her rumor. Which is fine, I’ve even discussed a few theories myself online. However, those theories and investigation often includes “Naming Persons of Intrigue” (I use this term because Persons of Interest is a legal term, where Persons of Intrigue denotes that the public is thus intrigued by that person), which invariably can lead to libel cases. While I am not a lawyer, I have had to read some information on Libel and Slander during my tenure as a member of the editorial board for a college newspaper. Naming a person of intrigue who hasn’t been named by a major media outlet is a pretty much no-no. It’s pretty easy to forget, with how easy it is to link to Myspace pages and etc. However, as this case continues, a pretty hefty lesson in the rules of publication are being brought forward.

Now, to my knowledge, no one has been sued, but it is potentially a matter of time. If anyone from my hometown reads this, pick up a copy of the AP Stylebook, which includes a briefing on libel law. It’s a great thing to read and have on standby if anyone is planning on participating in the internet. It can save you potential problems, but also to call someone’s bluff who is counting on you not knowing libel law.

I am not a lawyer and my thoughts above do not constitute legal advice. If you need such advice, seek out a “Legal Beagle”, also known as a lawyer.