Assume that Thomas Goodie [previous question] has been identified and that he brings a libel suit against Michael Malice. He could not win a libel case because the statement that most of the brothers "have spent time in jail for drug use and violence" is protected opinion.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a statement to be considered a protected opinion, it must not imply the assertion of undisclosed defamatory facts as the basis for the opinion. If the statement made by Michael Malice is presented as a factual assertion about Thomas Goodie and his brothers, and if these assertions are false and damaging to their reputations, then it could potentially be considered libelous. The distinction between fact and opinion in defamation cases is nuanced, and the protection of opinion does not extend to false statements of fact presented as the basis for the opinion.

Assume That Thomas Goodie [Previous Question] Has Been Identified and That