Legal Issues for Writing

For anyone who writes very much, it is wise to know the laws regarding writing. These issues apply to article writing, books, blogs, and even forum posts and emails. Laws change from time to time, and this article may not be comprehensive, so consult a lawyer if you have any questions. I am not a lawyer, and am not giving legal advice, I am only sharing a couple of issues that I know to be things you need to be aware of - this information does not attempt to replace legal counsel, just gives you some solid reasons for understanding when you might need it..

The two major issues are libel, and copyrights.

Libel is when you make unprovable negative statements about a specific person or entity. You can be taken to court for it and sued. If what you say could potentially harm someone else's reputation, and you cannot prove the truth of it in a court of law, then keep silent, or do not mention names, because it is out of line.

If you publish the writing of others, you may still be held accountable if such statements are published. In a public forum, when a suitable disclaimer is visibly published, it may offer some protection against personal liability, but you should consult a legal professional if you intend to run a public forum, or screen all posts and remove any that could present unacceptable risks.

Keep your nose clean. Writing is a great way to make a living or supplement an income, but you need to understand your responsibilities, and respect the legal limitations.

Written by Laura Wheeler
Owner, Firelight Web Studio
http://www.firelightwebstudio.com 
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