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    Digital Journalist's Legal Guide
    Tablet and mobile phone showing news online

    Everything online journalists need to protect their legal rights. This free resource culls from all Reporters Committee resources and includes exclusive content on digital media law issues.

    Libel

    This section covers the state law governing libel suits. The standards governing such suits are influenced by many things, including whether the subject of a story is a public figure or public official. This also covers the defenses to libel suits, including the "fair report" privilege, the opinion defense and anti-SLAPP laws.

    Oklahoma

    Although Oklahoma does not have a specific anti-SLAPP statute marked by the characteristics of the laws, it does immunize from liability for libel certain statements made in the exercise of one’s rights of petition or free speech. Okla. Stat. tit. 12, 1443.1 (2011).

    Arizona

    Arizona’s anti-SLAPP law protects against SLAPP suits brought in retaliation for the exercise of one’s right to petition the government. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 12-751 (2011). Protected petition activities are statements made as part of an initiative, referendum or recall effort, or those submitted to a governmental body concerning an issue under review by that body to influence governmental action or results.

    Maine

    Maine’s anti-SLAPP law protects against claims based on a person’s exercise of his right of petition under the federal or state constitutions. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, 556 (2011).