Offensive Newspaper Article

[Kipp T.]

I am from the state of Georgia. I'm trying to find out if there are any laws prohibiting the photography and publishing of a body on the scene of an accident. A friend of the family was killed on his bicycle by a drunk driver and the local newspaper felt the need to show this picture of his covered body and the crime scene. I'm wondering if there is any law in Georgia whatsoever prohibiting this type of journalism, and can legal action be taken?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

I am from the state of Georgia. I'm trying to find out if there are any laws prohibiting the photography and publishing of a body on the scene of an accident. A friend of the family was killed on his bicycle by a drunk driver and the local newspaper felt the need to show this picture of his covered body and the crime scene. I'm wondering if there is any law in Georgia whatsoever prohibiting this type of journalism, and can legal action be taken?

No legal action. The newspaper has the right to publish the news. You, on the other hand, have the right not to purchase the paper.

 

[Kipp T.]

Yes, I do have a right not to purchase the paper, along with about 50 percent of the citizens of the county. Considering all of the complaints filed against the paper from citizens, friends, and family, the newspaper has taken a big hit to their reputation. I, as well as others, have called our complaints in, and hopefully, they will issue a public apology to the family.