False Light* A PUBLICATION WHICH LEAVES A FALSE IMPRESSION One that is not in agreement with the Plaintiff's true beliefs, actions, etc. THE PUBLICATION MUST BE HIGHLY OFFENSIVE The facts alone may not be offensive, but the false impression created by the facts in context must be highly offensive to a reasonable person. ACTUAL MALICE All Plaintiffs must show actual malice. see, Peoples Bank and Trust Company v. Globe International Publishing, Inc. FALSE FACTS In some jurisdictions, the Plaintiff must show that the publication contains false facts. *False Light is not recognized in all jurisdictiions. For example, in Lake v. Wal-Mart Stores, 582 N.W. 2d 231 (Minn., 1998) the Minnesota Supreme Court rejected the false light tort. OREGON Case Law Dean v Guard Publishing (Or. App. 1985,1987) Martinez v Democrat-Herald. (Or. App. 1983) Magenis v. Fisher Broadcasting, 18 MLR 1229 (Or.CtAp. 1990). Reeseman v.Highfill, ____ OR. ___ (1998)

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School of Journalism and Communication