7.1 Introduction

LibraryThe Virginia Lawyer: A Deskbook for Practitioners (Virginia CLE) (2018 Ed.)

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Defamation law represents a complicated mix of old common law principles, constitutional doctrine (both federal and state), and statutes. At its heart, defamation law highlights the tension between two elemental principles of Virginia's Constitution: (i) the freedom that allows "any citizen [to] freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects"; and (ii) each citizen's obligation to be "responsible for the abuse of that right." 1 Attempts to reconcile these basic principles...

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