Torts Commons^™

Syposium Conclusion, Pieter J. Hoets

Cleveland State Law Review

Tort liability, based on modern medical understanding of the very real injury to an individual member of a defamed group, probably is the readiest and best preventive of abuse of the right of free speech until sound legislation is adopted. But we need both criminal and civil law. In the last analysis all legislation deals with morality-legislates morality. The law serves not only to regulate but also to educate, elevate, and dignify. It must deal with group defamation now. We must have law that will protect us from the sick and evil souls who poison our society with hatreds.