Torts Keyed to Epstein
Cantrell v. Forest City Publishing Co
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- The Brief Prologue provides necessary case brief introductory information and includes:
- Topic: Identifies the topic of law and where this case fits within your course outline.
- Parties: Identifies the cast of characters involved in the case.
- Procedural Posture & History: Shares the case history with how lower courts have ruled on the matter.
- Case Key Terms, Acts, Doctrines, etc.: A case specific Legal Term Dictionary.
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- Brief Facts: A Synopsis of the Facts of the case.
- Rule of Law: Identifies the Legal Principle the Court used in deciding the case.
- Facts: What are the factual circumstances that gave rise to the civil or criminal case? What is the relationship of the Parties that are involved in the case. Review the Facts of this case here:
In 1967, Mrs. Cantrell’s husband was killed during a collapse of a bridge. The Plain Dealer covered the story, focusing on the death of Mr. Cantrell and its impact on his family. Several months thereafter, the Plain Dealer returned to write a follow-up on the family. They went to Plaintiffs’ residence, spoke with the children, and took pictures. Mrs. Cantrell was not home when the reporters appeared. Later, an article was published, stressing the family’s poverty and the impact of the bridge disaster. The article also alluded to Mrs. Cantrell’s presence and attributed characteristics to her expression that did not take place. Mrs. Cantrell and her children brought suit, claiming they had been depicted in a false light, under the theory of invasion of privacy. After trial, the district court denied Plaintiffs’ demand for punitive damages, but allowed some damages for Mrs. Cantrell. The court of appeals found that the district court should not have allowed recovery, and reversed maintaining that verdict should have been directed. The Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari.
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- Policy: Identifies the Policy if any that has been established by the case.
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