Jenna Bales
Professor
Media Regulation
27 January 2021
Chapter 6 OUTLINE
Libel: Defenses and Damages
Summary Judgment: Dismissal in which a defendant can ask a judge to dismiss a case before
trial by citing an appropriate defense.
– The judge may issue such a ruling if they don’t think the plaintiff can prove what is
required or believes the defendant had a legal right or a defense to publish or broadcast
the defamatory material.
Procedure:
1. Plaintiff makes initial written allegations to the court
2. Defendant may argue for a summary judgment order if
– The plaintiff has failed to prove what is necessary to sustain the libel suit
– There is a legal defense that blocks the suit
