Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» As long as you use the word "allegedly" you can say anything and not get sued. Just say what you want and then add a disclaimer! Right?
No. "Allegedly" cannot be used to get away with making a misleading claim.
It must be used by journalists when reporting a crime when police have made a criminal charge, or someone is bringing a civil action in court. The word has a strictly legal meaning which acknowledges that a person is legally innocent until proven guilty in court, irrespective of already obvious evidence.
A journalist who fails to use the word "allegedly" when appropriate quickly looses his or her reputation and job opportunities. The principles are governed and taught via the journalistic code of conduct, training in universities and apprenticeships, and the background history of journalism in law created by precedence in past cases. Any newspaper editor who values the paper's reputation and financial future will enforce the code.
False news, though it may temporarily have sensational results, ultimately looses readers, advertisers and income.
What if you believe/KNOW you are speaking the truth and say "allegedly" because it is a requirement. Talking heads on TV news shows are always "Allegedlying" 24/7. Knowingly making a false claim is lying and there is plenty of that going on all the time everywhere. Speaking the truth in the face of those who fear truth and label it FAKE NEWS also happens a lot. Truth is inviolate. Any name calling or denying doesn't change a dam* thing. SIGH. Now if you say something you believe to be true and later discover it isn't you didn't lie. You have to KNOW you are lying to be a liar. Otherwise you are simply misinformed or ignorant. Right? Thank you for your reply and the info Hartfire.
Benedict Arnold 