Journalism Quote by Stephen Leacock
“Newspapermen learn to call a murderer "an alleged murderer" and the King of England "the alleged King of England" to avoid libel suits.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Book of Humour, 1910
Media often qualify accusations to protect against defamation, diluting direct language.
In simple terms: Media soften accusations to avoid lawsuits.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of language bias in reporting.
Themes
media
law
ethics
language
bias
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- legal review
- public statements
- media training
Key Concepts
defamation law
journalistic framing
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language choice affect public perception?
- When is caution more harmful than helpful?
A Different Perspective
Over‑cautious phrasing can obscure truth.
