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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37601
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37601
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Although you have the right to tell the truth, that is not defined by what you just **_know_** must be true. The truth must be verifiable. What proof do **you** have to publish, or to back up what you publish (like video)? The word of a victim that, conceivably, might be lying to you?

Professional news outlets, reporters and editors, are trained and consult lawyers to ensure they do not defame others.

[Public Figures and Defamation:](https://www.minclaw.com/legal-resource-center/what-is-defamation/defamation-public-official-vs-private-person/) At least in the USA, 'public figures' including celebrities and politicians, have a higher bar to reach to prove defamation than a regular citizen does; and those public figures are the ones usually named by professional news outlets. Essentially the public figure must prove a statement is false, and must **also** prove their name was published with "reckless disregard for falsity", meaning the defamer knew or had evidence or had been told their publication was false, or should have known (could have easily found out, etc).

Private individuals (again USA, and the type of people you seem to want to out) that are defamed only need to prove that the defamer showed negligence in considering or confirming that a statement is true or false prior to publication, rather than the more stringent reckless disregard.

You can probably find your local laws on the Internet. I would consult your college's lawyer/attorney/counsel/solicitor before I published any names or other identifying information.

Original score: 18