libel/defamation of character

[historian]

To those of you bright people who understand law pls help with this question. Since chimps ads are blatant lies, can he, or his organiations, be sued for slander/libel or defamation of character? Surely the picture of Kerry with Jane Honda was blatant manipulation of photography and a personal attack against Kerry. If litigation is possible, I wonder why Kerry doesnt respond accordingly?

[RoeBear]

1. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong...

...but i think political ads are protected from libel laws.

[historian]

2. oh

well thats a convenient law passed by the politicos to defend their malodorous rear ends

[acmavm]

3. Libel and slander suits are almost impossible to win if one is considered

a 'public figure'. It's sort of along the theory that you asked for is when you decided to become a a well-known personality who is in the public eye, particularly if it is by choice.

The standards of proof are higher than if you are a private citizen. You have to prove it was done maliciously, intentionally, and that you suffered demonstrable 'damage'. Not that some haven't won, like Carol Burnette. But I sincerely doubt that the courts would hear a case involving presidential candidates since you have to PROVE that they knew that they were lying and went ahead and did it intentionally. That's a very high bar to meet.

[cmayer]

4. Besides, the fake Jane Fonda shot...

can't be traced to the * campaign.