Overview

This module introduces you to the torts of defamation, disparagement, and invasion of privacy.

Instructions

The General Instructions for discussion assignments are incorporated into this weeks discussion assignment. Please read them before posting. Any additional instructions specific to this lesson module are provided below. There are two activities for each discussion board assignment, both with different due dates: (1) initial post; and (2) minimum two replies to classmate posts. Check the Course Syllabus and Schedule of Assignments for due dates. Each discussion has three components: (1) Topic(s) for discussion; (2) Ethics question; and (3) Reflection. Make sure to carefully review and respond to each component. Please give careful attention to the general and additional assignment instructions.

Additional Instructions

• Locate an Internet article that discusses a prior, pending, or potential lawsuit for defamation, disparagement, or invasion of privacy.
• Provide the article title, date, and author name, and give a link to the article.
• Give a brief, but informative summary of the article.
• Comment on your review of the article
  • Did or do the facts meet the essential elements of the tort theory?
  • What about any social or ethical issues?
  • What is your take away from the article?

Ethics

You work for a three-attorney law firm with five support staff. You are one of two paralegals who work for the firm. Among your duties, your job requires you to do a thorough online search of the firm and attorney names to identify any negative reviews or posts. You notice an increase in negative reviews for other tort law firms and attorneys, but so far, there have not been any negative reviews for your firm. You are very detail oriented and notice a common writing pattern in the negative reviews. It looks familiar, but you do not know why. You also notice the negative reviews are anonymous.

Two weeks ago, you and several friends attended a concert at an event center. While in the bathroom, you overhead two people talking about how they post negative reviews on company websites. One of the persons said her/his boss pays her/him $100 each to set up anonymous emails and make negative reviews about other firms and attorneys. She/he discussed how she/he does it and that she makes about $1,000/month.

You recognized the voice as the other paralegal in the firm. You waited until both left the bathroom to leave the bathroom stall. Although you did not see your coworker at the event, you are 99.9% sure it was her/him. The next Monday, you learn your coworker was at the event.

What ethical problems exist, if any? What are your next steps, if any?

Reflection

Are online reviews a good or bad thing? Do you rely on them when making decisions about goods and services? How do or can you protect yourself against personal, negative comments on social media?