Discusses the necessity of being aware of what constitutes libel in secondary school publications and offers examples of materials that may be libelous, including letters to the editor, quotations, photographs, headlines, and picture captions. (DF)

Discusses the matter of liability and insurance coverage of staff members when they are reporting about activities. (JK)

Discusses the possibilities of who may be held responsible in cases of libel in school newspapers and offers seven defenses against charges of libel, including the truth, retraction, and consent. (DF)

Suggests that school publications advisers should become fully qualified, join advisers' organizations, reach an understanding with school officials, develop publication guidelines, be familiar with laws, train student journalists, help them understand the community, anticipate problems, and keep the local media informed of school activities. (FL)

Discusses Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr.'s dissenting opinion in the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision in order to help advisers and editorial staffs who are preparing arguments intended to impress administrators with the value of student publications. (MS)