Topic : 12/06 Teacher Troubles

Generally speaking, defamation is the issuance of a false statement about another person, which causes that person to suffer harm. Slander involves the making of defamatory statements by a transitory (non-fixed) representation, usually an oral (spoken) representation. Libel involves the making of defamatory statements in a printed or fixed medium, such as a magazine or newspaper.

Typically, the elements of a cause of action for defamation include:

1. A false and defamatory statement concerning another;
2. The unprivileged publication of the statement to a third party (that is, somebody other than the person defamed by the statement);
3. If the defamatory matter is of public concern, fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher; and
4. Damage to the plaintiff.

In the context of defamation law, a statement is "published" when it is made to the third party. That term does not mean that the statement has to be in print.

Damages are typically to the reputation of the plaintiff, but depending upon the laws of the jurisdiction it may be enough to establish mental anguish.

Most jurisdictions also recognize "per se" defamation, where the allegations are presumed to cause damage to the plaintiff. Typically, the following may consititute defamation per se:

• Attacks on a person's professional character or standing;
• Allegations that an unmarried person is unchaste;
• Allegations that a person is infected with a sexually transmitted disease;
• Allegations that the person has committed a crime of moral turpitude;
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I realize most of us will say it was a prank. Prank or not, setting up a false my space profile claiming one that is a lesbian (which she is not),  two, a drug junkie (drug paraphonalia and references) this is all slander. we do have laws protect one's rights and reputation. If the boys becomes felons because of this so be it. If it was my wife who had been the target, I would go down guns a blazing to protect her rights when they were violated maliciously by a "prank".

For every action , there is a reaction. I heard all about myspace and alot of users put up fake profiles claiming to be celebs. But the difference is, are the fake celeb profiles contain any slanderous info that can damage them? In this case the AP had her reputation destroyed by two teens who didn't "know better"

I know dr.phil and robin had the same problem with people steal their identities to con people out of cash. I'm surprised by his blaissez attitude towards the AP.

What documented proof do you have that the Presidents daughters are alcoholics.  I watch a lot of news and have never heard anyone say that they are alcoholics.   But my main point is how do the presidents daughter even fit into this topic.  I don't remember them being mentioned even once during the show, this show was about wether a teacher should get her job back because she was in a porn movie years ago, not that the presidents daughters are alcoholics and they teach so this women should be able to also.  My first reaction about the teacher being in a porn movie years ago was "I don't want that person teaching my child" but after listening to the who show, I wouldn't have a problem with her being my teacher.  I would be more worried about the students that have the porn and what the parents are doing about that.

Also about the Vice-princpal filing charges against the students and the parents for creating a website full of lies about her.  Good for her.  To often parents will just cover up or make accuses for the behavior of the childern.  Also, the school can't do much to the students unless the web site was created at school off of a school computer.  This was done on their own and it wasn't a school activity. Once the kids out of school and any school activities, their actions become the responsiblity of their parents, not the schools.  The schools have no control over what they do at home, that is the parents job.

Exactly.

I don't know how kids these days can deal with all they have thrown at them, but I sincerely believe that parents CAN mold their children from day 1 so that they are better prepared to deal with the world's evil and temptations and follow the right path to success and hope for their future.  When my girls were little, when they stepped out of line (ie: talking back or hitting their sibling) I would stop it RIGHT THEN AND THERE.  That behavior was squashed like a bug and they learned to know what was acceptible behavior and what was not.  All it took was for my husband and I to BE authority to them and speak to them in a tone that got their attention. 

Now that they are teens, they might step slightly over that line, but I pay attention and either I give them a consequence or they quickly back off knowing from experience that they need to find another way to express themselves or work out a problem or temptation.  Neither of them would ever dream of placing a myspace blog that would hurt another person.  They wouldn't do it because (a) if they were caught, they'd be in BIG trouble, and (b) because they have learned throughout childhood to protect and value others' feelings.

We have kept up communication so that, even if their problem is me, they know we can talk about them by putting all the cards on the table and showing what they feel is unfair and giving suggestions of how to change things.  They dont' always get their way, but they have the abililty to debate politely and be troubleshooters.  They are teens, learning to stand on their own, but I haven't stopped communicating, keeping track of their activities and whereabouts, and praising them when I "catch them being good".  Slowly Mom lets go as they become more independent.  My oldest has a job and drives there as well as to school.  My youngest has after school activites that I let her participate in.  I'm always there to catch them, but they are starting to walk that tightrope of life on their own and I truly believe they will continue to step out independently until they are fully there and they will be responsible and contributing adults.

I'm not saying all this to toot my own horn, but rather hoping that some new parent out there might see that this way works and do it themsef.  I sure wish every parent would be diligent, strong and courageous in thier parenting, or seek help if they need it.