Which term refers to a tort involving the publication of private facts?

Which term refers to a tort involving the publication of private facts?

• A. Libel
• B. Slander
• C. Invasion of Privacy
• D. Defamation

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how privacy torts differ from defamation. Publicly disclosing private facts is a form of invasion of privacy. It matters that the information is private and true (not false) and that its publication would be highly embarrassing or objectionable to a reasonable person, and not a matter of legitimate public concern. This is different from defamation (libel or slander), which requires a false statement about someone that harms their reputation. So while defamation deals with false statements, the tort of publication of private facts focuses on revealing true, private information to others.

The concept being tested is how privacy torts differ from defamation. Publicly disclosing private facts is a form of invasion of privacy. It matters that the information is private and true (not false) and that its publication would be highly embarrassing or objectionable to a reasonable person, and not a matter of legitimate public concern. This is different from defamation (libel or slander), which requires a false statement about someone that harms their reputation. So while defamation deals with false statements, the tort of publication of private facts focuses on revealing true, private information to others.