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st-julien t1_j6e83y4 wrote

Reply to comment by serralinda73 in What’s the point of the “this novel is entirely a work of fiction….” disclaimer? by huphelmeyer

Slander is spoken.

Libel is written.

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ohboop t1_j6eal8j wrote

Something that helped me remember it even more (as in, in addition to your more helpful hint, lol) was making the connection to romance languages: livre, or libros for book in French or Spanish.

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st-julien t1_j6eba7b wrote

Maybe that's why I remember it easily. Spanish is my native language, not English.

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ohboop t1_j6ej7t4 wrote

I bet it helps at least! It wasn't until a native French speaker pointed that out to me that I was finally able to remember once and for all.

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st-julien t1_j6eobny wrote

Also, I worked for a newspaper a long time ago. You have to be very familiar with the concept of libel if you work at a major daily.

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ohboop t1_j6ep7v6 wrote

Well now I just feel like you've buried the lede here.

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st-julien t1_j6esvg8 wrote

I was going to open with that but your mention of Spanish gave me a hook. :D

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Jack-Campin t1_j6g0mrs wrote

Depends on your local legal system. Doesn't work like that in Scotland.

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