Privacy and Defamation Torts

Vocabulary flashcards designed to reinforce key concepts related to privacy, defamation, and copyright as discussed in the lecture.

Intrusion

Unreasonable interference into someone's private space or affairs without consent.

Misappropriation

Using a person's name or likeness for commercial purposes without their consent.

Publication of Private Facts

Disclosure of personal information that is not newsworthy.

False Light

Publishing misleading information that creates a false impression of an individual.

Privacy Act of 1974

Regulates federal government's collection and use of personal information, giving individuals rights to access their records.

The Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, providing a legal basis for individual privacy.

Autonomy

The ability to make personal decisions without outside influence, especially regarding personal freedoms.

USA Patriot Act

Expanded government surveillance powers post-9/11 to combat terrorism, allowing for data collection and wiretapping.

Electronic Eavesdropping

Surreptitious interception of personal communications, typically done via wiretaps.

Industrial Espionage

Spying on business rivals for trade secrets, often involving illegal methods.

Public Disclosure

Revealing personal information to the public without consent, potentially causing harm.

Knowing or Reckless Falsehood

Disseminating false information knowingly or carelessly, which can lead to defamation.

Surreptitious Surveillance

Secret monitoring of an individual's activities using hidden cameras or devices.

Legitimate Public Interest

Concept allowing the courts to balance public attention and an individual's right to privacy.

Spot News

Unexpected, breaking news reported live, such as coverage of a natural disaster.

Time, Manner, and Place Regulations

Government restrictions on speech that must be fair and justified.

Obscenity

Material that violates community standards and lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value.

Hicklin Rule

An outdated test used to determine obscenity based on its effect on the most susceptible individuals.

Miller Test

A standard for determining obscenity based on community standards and the work's serious value.

Variable Obscenity Laws

Laws allowing states to restrict certain materials for minors while permitting them for adults.

Communications Decency Act

1996 law aimed at protecting children from indecent content online, partially struck down for free speech violations.

Cease and Desist Order

A legal order prohibiting an advertiser from continuing to distribute a deceptive advertisement.

Fair Use

Allows limited use of copyrighted works without permission under specific conditions.

Plagiarism

Representing another person's work or ideas as one's own.

Trademark Law

Laws designed to protect consumers from confusion about product origins.

Copyright

Ownership of exclusive rights to an original work of authorship.