MC 401 – Test 1 – 2026 – Study Guide and Practice
Material
Stare decisis means
a. let the buyer beware
b. let the decision stand
c. let the seller beware
d. let the common law prevail
e. let the judge decide - ANS✔✔ b. let the decision stand
A publisher who has serious doubts about the truth of a news story and runs it anyways might
be negligent, but could not be found to have committed actual malice if sued for libel.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
The primary objective of libel law is ______ - ANS✔✔ to protect reputation
The First Amendment applies to state and local government through the doctrine of______ -
ANS✔✔ Incorporation
The estate of a deceased person may recover damages for libel of the dead individual if actual
malice is present
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Assume you are a reporter. If you report defamatory facts about a criminal defendant based on
official police records, your defense is likely to be_________. - ANS✔✔ Qualify Privilege
Of the following, which is not one of the attributes of civil law.
, a. private parties on both sides
b. preponderance of the evidence standard
c. money damages
d. primarily statutory law
e. all are attributes to civil law - ANS✔✔ D. Primarily Statutory Law
In a criminal prosecution, an "indictment" is a determination by a grand jury that the defendant
is guilty of a crime.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Under the First Amendment, gov may not regulate the hours of frequency of marches and
demonstrations on public streets and sidewalks.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Broadcasters have no liability for libel if they are fulfilling legal obligations under the equal
opportunity rule. (Section 315)
True or False - ANS✔✔ True
The NY Times vs. Sullivan decision is important because:
a. it imposed a higher burden on public officials seeking libel damages
b. it held that some advertising has First Amendment protection
c. it upheld large libel awards against those in favor of the civil rights movement.
d. all of the above
e. only a and b - ANS✔✔ E. only A and B are correct
Units of the gov can sue for libel for criticism of gov conduct when
a. actual malice is present
Material
Stare decisis means
a. let the buyer beware
b. let the decision stand
c. let the seller beware
d. let the common law prevail
e. let the judge decide - ANS✔✔ b. let the decision stand
A publisher who has serious doubts about the truth of a news story and runs it anyways might
be negligent, but could not be found to have committed actual malice if sued for libel.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
The primary objective of libel law is ______ - ANS✔✔ to protect reputation
The First Amendment applies to state and local government through the doctrine of______ -
ANS✔✔ Incorporation
The estate of a deceased person may recover damages for libel of the dead individual if actual
malice is present
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Assume you are a reporter. If you report defamatory facts about a criminal defendant based on
official police records, your defense is likely to be_________. - ANS✔✔ Qualify Privilege
Of the following, which is not one of the attributes of civil law.
, a. private parties on both sides
b. preponderance of the evidence standard
c. money damages
d. primarily statutory law
e. all are attributes to civil law - ANS✔✔ D. Primarily Statutory Law
In a criminal prosecution, an "indictment" is a determination by a grand jury that the defendant
is guilty of a crime.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Under the First Amendment, gov may not regulate the hours of frequency of marches and
demonstrations on public streets and sidewalks.
True or False - ANS✔✔ False
Broadcasters have no liability for libel if they are fulfilling legal obligations under the equal
opportunity rule. (Section 315)
True or False - ANS✔✔ True
The NY Times vs. Sullivan decision is important because:
a. it imposed a higher burden on public officials seeking libel damages
b. it held that some advertising has First Amendment protection
c. it upheld large libel awards against those in favor of the civil rights movement.
d. all of the above
e. only a and b - ANS✔✔ E. only A and B are correct
Units of the gov can sue for libel for criticism of gov conduct when
a. actual malice is present
