public figure

public figure
Term "public figure," for purposes of determining standard to be applied in defamation action, includes artists, athletes, business people, dilettantes, and anyone who is famous or infamous because of who he is or what he has done. Rosanova v. Playboy Enterprises, Inc., D.C.Ga., 411 F.Supp. 440, 444.
Public figures, for libel purposes, are those who have assumed roles of special prominence in society; commonly, those classed as public figures have thrust themselves to forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence resolution of issues involved. Mills v. Kingsport Times-News, D.C.W.Va., 475 F.Supp. 1005, 1009.
Persons so classified are required to prove actual notice to recover in libel actions. Hustler Magazine v. Falwell, 485 U.S. 46, 108 S.Ct. 876, 99 L.Ed.2d 41.
In determining whether plaintiff in libel action is "public figure" required to show "actual malice" of publisher or broadcaster, it is preferable to look to nature and extent of his participation in particular controversy giving rise to the defamation, and he should not be deemed public personality for all aspects of his life in absence of clear evidence of general fame or notoriety in community and pervasive involvement in affairs of society. Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323, 94 S.Ct. 2997, 41 L.Ed.2d 789.
See libel.
For right of privacy action purposes, includes anyone who has arrived at position where public attention is focused upon him as a person. Dietemann v. Time, Inc., D.C.Cal., 284 F.Supp. 925, 930.

Black's law dictionary. . 1990.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Public figure — is a legal term applied in the context of defamation actions (libel and slander) as well as invasion of privacy. A public figure (such as a politician, celebrity, or business leader) cannot base a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements unless… …   Wikipedia

  • public figure — public fig·ure n: an individual or entity that has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in a particular public controversy see also limited purpose public figure compare public official ◇ A public figure must prove actual malice in… …   Law dictionary

  • public figure — noun count a well known person, especially a politician …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • public figure — noun a well known or notable person they studied all the great names in the history of France she is an important figure in modern music • Syn: ↑name, ↑figure • Hypernyms: ↑important person, ↑influential person, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • public figure — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms public figure : singular public figure plural public figures a well known person, especially a politician …   English dictionary

  • public figure — noun A famous person whose life is the subject of public interest …   Wiktionary

  • public figure — person well known to the public …   English contemporary dictionary

  • ˌpublic ˈfigure — noun [C] a well known person …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

  • public figure — /pʌblɪk ˈfɪgə/ (say publik figuh) noun a person, as a politician, community leader, etc., who is generally known and usually respected and admired …  

  • limited purpose public figure — n: a person who voluntarily and prominently participates in a public controversy for the purpose of influencing its outcome and who is thus required as a public figure to prove actual malice in a defamation suit – called also limited public… …   Law dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”