[hader]

In reference to his continuous disregard of the public and the performance of his duty, the sign said "City Manger Joe Doe, a worthless weasel".
Are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?

[JudyKayTee]

No - slander, libel laws apply to everyone.

Is there a specific problem?

[J_9]

Wouldn't this be considered "mudslining" in the political community?

[Fr_Chuck]

Well if you look at political and even movie stars stars, look at the names people called Bush and now the names people are calling Obama and I would say that there has to be some area where there is a difference

[JudyKayTee]

Bush and Obama didn't have the time, energy or stomach to respond to critics, to get into your opinion vs my opinion vs public perception.

But the slander/libel laws are what they are.

Movie stars every now and then have had enough and do sue and do win - if the report is false.

In politics I think if you get down and wrestle with pigs you also get covered with mud and so they don't bother.

[excon]

the sign said "City Manger Joe Doe, a worthless weasel".
are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?

Hello hader:

I agree with Judy. But the sign, as it is worded it, is NOT libel.

excon

[AK lawyer]

... are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?

Yes. If the official is considered a public figure, it's more difficult for the official to win a defamation case against one who says or writes something about that official.

But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory.

[ScottGem]

The Supreme Court does hold libel cases bought by people in the public eye to a higher standard then cases by ordinary citizens.
The Law: Libel Liability: Test for Public Figures - TIME

But I agree, the sign expresses an opinion and is not an accusation of wrong doing so is not actionable.

[AK lawyer]

The Supreme Court does hold libel cases bought by people in the public eye to a higher standard then cases by ordinary citizens.
The Law: Libel Liability: Test for Public Figures - TIME
...

The linked article is dated Jun. 23, 1967! I don't recall if we even had the Internet back then. :)

[ScottGem]

The linked article is dated Jun. 23, 1967! I don't recall if we even had the Internet back then. :)

And that matters because?

[hader]

"But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory."
Run that one more time by me!
What are you saying? I want to be clear on what you said.

[hader]

Ak lawyer Said: "But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory."
Can someone explain what he is trying to say? Thanks!

[Kitkat22]

I'm not a Lawyer... But most elected officials are weasels.

[ScottGem]

Its not libel by itself. There would need to be a more defamatory statement.

For example:

Not libel:
So and so is a worthless weasel

Libel:
So and so is a worthless weasel who stole from the people.

[hader]

Thank you!