# 6.3 Libel and defamation

In any case where material refers to people and/or organisations, it may be that any material published may give offence and lead to other people holding the people or organisations referred to in low esteem. If what is portrayed is not capable of defence in a court of law, severe damages may result.

When material is thought to be sensitive – as for example in material about disasters, where blame surrounding them is attributed – publishers will necessarily go to great lengths to ensure that they themselves will not be liable for damages. Some publishers, in their agreements with authors, will deﬂect responsibility onto the author, just as they will deﬂect onto the author responsibility for copyright clearances.

OpenLearn - Software and the law
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