Who Is – And Who Is Not – A “Public Figure”

It’s always been a tricky issue for reporters, and there’s plenty of grey area. In the so-called “Rolling Stone” trial regarding allegations of a sexual assault at the University of Virginia, and a Rolling Stone article about the case, the judge has ruled that a University official is, in this instance, a public figure.

This concise summary at the WBA Newsroom site explains how Wisconsin law works regarding who is and who isn’t a public figure. It’s something every reporter should be aware of.

Posted by Tim Morrissey