In a libel case, the use of subjective adjectives — instead of objective adjectives that convey facts — may be the undoing of a TV station or journalist. They can imply that the writer had malicious intent when they wrote a statement. Al Tompkins gives an example sentence: “The city councilman flashed an evil look as he voted in favour of the contract.” It may be true that he smiled at his contractor friend who funded his reelection, but “evil” is an opinion, and a potentially malicious one at that. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
