Montana Legal Questions

Attorneys

Notice

Montana LawMontana LawIf you have a serious legal matter involving Montana Law, important time deadlines may apply. Bliven & Evans, Trial Lawyers, P.C. is a full service law firm focusing on results and personal attention. We've been working for Montanan's for over 17 years. You should contact our office at 406-755-6828 (1-888-757-6828 toll free) or other another attorney immediately. The lawyer referral number for the Montana State Bar is 406-449-6577

Montana Legal Questions - Ask a queston

Does the first amendment protect news media and others from slander or libel?

Slander (spoken defamation) and Libel (written defamation) are not protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

News media are just as liable for defamation claims as any other citizen.

One possible exception exists, however, in the case of "public figures." If a public figure sues for defamation, he will usually be required to prove "actual malice," as opposed to simple negligence.

An interesting discussion of this law can be found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times_Co._v._Sullivan

If you have been charged with defamation, or if you think you have been the victim of defamation, you are best advised to discuss this matter further with a lawyer.