Kaplan v. Newsweek Magazine, Inc.

Brief Fact Summary.

Kaplan filed suit for libel against Newsweek Magazine, Inc. (Newsweek) after Newsweek published an article listing a course taught by Kaplan as one that requires little work to achieve a good grade.

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

An opinion does not constitute defamation.

Facts.

Kaplan filed suit for libel against Newsweek Magazine, Inc. (Newsweek) after Newsweek published an article listing a course taught by Kaplan as one that requires little work to achieve a good grade. The district court granted Newsweek’s motion to dismi

Issue.

Whether stating an opinion constitutes defamation?

Held.

No. The judgment of the district court is affirmed. A critique of a course is not indicative of the professor of that course. The article did not discuss Kaplan or Kaplan’s professors.

Discussion.

An opinion does not constitute defamation.