Torts 102: Defamation

The tort of defamation protects the reputation of those harmed by false statements of fact. The tort often collides with the constitutional right to convey information to the public about important issues.

This course examines the tension between defamation and the First Amendment. It begins with an introduction to the tort, including a discussion of the historic New York Times Co. v. Sullivan decision. The course then tests the participants' knowledge through a series of fact patterns taken from actual cases.