---
title: "Run a pre-publication defamation review of the draft copy"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/run-a-pre-publication-defamation-review-of-the-draft-copy/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A33-T1-R11-US"
practice_area: "Defamation & Media Law"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Run a pre-publication defamation review of the draft copy

> List each statement of fact about an identifiable person, whether the draft cites a source, and whether the words are loose or specific. Write no clearance.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/run-a-pre-publication-defamation-review-of-the-draft-copy/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 | List each statement of fact about an identifiable person, whether the draft cites a source, and whether the words are loose or specific. Write no clearance. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide what runs. Sullivan bars liability to a public official for a statement about official conduct unless the plaintiff proves actual malice. Gertz lets states set a fault standard for private plaintiffs short of liability without fault, and limits presumed and punitive damages unless Sullivan fault is shown. Milkovich: a statement that implies a provably false fact is not protected because it is called opinion. California Civil Code § 45 is the state definition if California law applies. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Run a pre-publication defamation review of the draft copy](https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/run-a-pre-publication-defamation-review-of-the-draft-copy.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List each statement of fact about an identifiable person, whether the draft cites a source, and whether the words are loose or specific. Write no clearance.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- A pre-publication note is advice. It is not a privilege by itself.
- Identify the state whose law will govern before you treat § 45 as the definition.

## Sources

- [New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/376/254) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323 (1974)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/418/323) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co., 497 U.S. 1 (1990)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/497/1) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [California Civil Code § 45 (libel defined)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=45) (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.*