What is the libel defense of fair comment?

The libel defense of fair comment is a legal doctrine that applies when a statement is made about a public figure or public issue. This defense applies in District of Columbia media law. This defense allows any person to make a statement they believe is a fair comment without fear of legal liability for libel. In District of Columbia, the fair comment defense protects a statement regardless of the truth or falsity of the content. It protects opinions and thoughts as long as they are based on facts. This means the statement cannot be based on a guess or speculation. The statement must also be made without malice or an intent to harm the person or organization the statement is about. To be successful in a libel claim, the plaintiff must prove that the person making the statement acted with malicious intent. The defendant can then use the fair comment defense to show that the statement was not intended to harm the plaintiff. The defendant must also prove that the statement was based on true facts. The fair comment defense is an important part of District of Columbia media law as it protects individuals and organizations from being libeled. It protects individuals and organizations from individuals or organizations who make false or malicious statements about them.

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What is the libel defense of fair comment?

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