Newspapermen learn to call a murderer 'an alleged murderer' and the King of England 'the alleged King of England' to avoid libel suits.
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
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does careful language help or hinder truth?
Another view
It oversimplifies the real purpose of presuming innocence.
More from Stephen Leacock
Men are able to trust one another, knowing the exact degree of dishonesty they are entitled to expect.
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