---
title: "Enter only the damages figures the file prints"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/build-a-comparable-awards-table-for-damages-discussions/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A33-T1-R13-US"
practice_area: "Defamation & Media Law"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Enter only the damages figures the file prints

> Make one column for loss of reputation, shame, mortification, and hurt feelings, and one column for loss to property, business, trade, profession, or occupation.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/build-a-comparable-awards-table-for-damages-discussions/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Defamation & Media Law](https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Make one column for loss of reputation, shame, mortification, and hurt feelings, and one column for loss to property, business, trade, profession, or occupation. Enter a number only when a loaded document prints it, with the page. Invent no figure. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide which column a printed figure belongs in, and whether it is damages at all. Civil Code § 48a(d)(1) defines general damages as damages for loss of reputation, shame, mortification, and hurt feelings. Section 48a(d)(2) defines special damages as all damages the plaintiff alleges and proves in respect to property, business, trade, profession, or occupation, including money expended as a result of the alleged libel, and no other. Section 48a(a) applies in an action for libel in a daily or weekly news publication, or slander by radio broadcast. You decide whether this publication is within § 48a(d)(5). New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), states no dollar amount. Do not supply a comparable figure the file does not print. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Build a comparable-awards table for damages discussions](https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/build-a-comparable-awards-table-for-damages-discussions.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Make one column for loss of reputation, shame, mortification, and hurt feelings, and one column for loss to property, business, trade, profession, or occupation. Enter a number only when a loaded document prints it, with the page. Invent no figure.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Enter a number only when a loaded document prints it. Sullivan states no dollar amount, and this table invents no comparable award.
- Section 48a is California and is limited to the publications subsection (a) names. Another state's damages practice is not this table.

## Sources

- [California Civil Code § 48a (daily or weekly news publication and radio slander)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=48a.) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/376/254) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*