The rules which follow are a good summary of the main facts about libel that the copy reader needs to remember:
“1. Heads are danger points. Never make in a head a damaging assertion which is not borne out fully in the text. Qualify in both to be sure.
“2. Make no assertions against any person’s conduct or character unless you are ready to supply complete legal evidence.
“3. Do not draw conclusions adverse to conduct or character. Never leave the plain facts. Let the facts tell the whole story.
“4. Be sure the wrong person is not made to appear. This is often done, either by slips in writing names or mistakes about identity of persons involved. Get every name absolutely right.
“5. Be careful about using names given by unknown persons. It is a common practice for criminals and other delinquents to assume the names of respectable persons.
Dangerous Ground
“1. Court Reports. Any court news affecting business standing or business transactions. Watch names. Be careful about reporting business failures or embarrassments.
“2. Stories affecting professional repute of doctors, lawyers, preachers and other professions dependent upon personal esteem.
“3. Stories affecting the character of women. Use no epithets or adjectives unnecessarily. Never on hearsay connect a woman with a detrimental action. Watch names.