What is the criteria for libel in an Op-ed?

Question

My wife and I want to write an Op-Ed in our local paper about the terrible apartment complex we are in (we are planning on moving out before we write it). 

But I'm always worried about someone flipping out and trying to sue for libel. It has to be a lie for it to be libel, right? So if every claim we make it backed up, they can't do anything, correct? What if it's my own opinion ("No one should rent an apartment here, because it is a bad place to live")

Thanks!

Mutt · Answer

As long as you have documented proof of the facts you list, you should be covered. And generally, opinions are fine, but you need to be careful with that. Using your example, "No one should rent an apartment here, because it is a bad place to live" would be crossing the line into libel. But if you state, "We had a bad experience at this apartment complex and we will not be living there again, nor recommend it to anyone else", this would be much more of an opinion, and you are only stating that you will not live there again, and you don't recommend anyone else do also. Do you see the difference?

What is the criteria for libel in an Op-ed?

Related Questions

Trending Questions