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About this quote

What does it mean?
Journalists use cautious language to avoid legal trouble, even for obvious truths.
In plain terms
Reporters add 'alleged' to protect themselves from lawsuits.
What can you take from it?
Legal fears shape how news is reported.

Where it applies

  • writing news reports
  • avoiding lawsuits
  • discussing legal terms

Putting it to work

  • media literacy
  • legal writing
  • journalistic ethics

Questions to consider

  • Does careful language help or hinder truth?

Another view

It oversimplifies the real purpose of presuming innocence.

More from Stephen Leacock

  1. Men are able to trust one another, knowing the exact degree of dishonesty they are entitled to expect.

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  2. Now, the essence, the very spirit of Christmas is that we first make believe a thing is so, and lo, it presently turns out to be so.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. Many a man in love with a dimple makes a mistake of marrying the whole girl.

    Permalink to quote #25

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