Practice point: When the alleged defamation arguably involves a matter of public
concern, a private plaintiff must prove that the media-defendant acted
in a grossly irresponsible manner without due consideration for the
standards of information gathering and dissemination ordinarily followed
by responsible parties.
Student note: Under the gross irresponsibility standard, a publisher must use verification methods that are
reasonably calculated to produce accurate copy.
Case: Matovick v. Times Beacon Record Newspapers, NY Slip Op 05051 (2d Dept. 2013).
Here is the decision.
Tomorrow's issue: Moving for summary judgment in a legal malpractice action.
