Small penis rule
In this article, we will explore the topic of Small penis rule in detail, analyzing its origins, impact on society, and possible implications for the future. Small penis rule has been the subject of interest and debate for a long time, and its relevance remains significant today. Through different perspectives and approaches, we seek to shed light on the various aspects surrounding Small penis rule, in order to offer a comprehensive and enriching vision for our readers. From its historical importance to its influence on contemporary culture, we'll take a closer look at what Small penis rule means and how it has evolved over time.
The small penis rule is an informal strategy used by authors to evade libel lawsuits. It was described in a New York Times article by Dinitia Smith in 1998:
"For a fictional portrait to be actionable, it must be so accurate that a reader of the book would have no problem linking the two," said Mr. Friedman. Thus, he continued, libel lawyers have what is known as "the small penis rule". One way authors can protect themselves from libel suits is to say that a character has a small penis, Mr. Friedman said. "Now no male is going to come forward and say, 'That character with a very small penis, that's me!'"[1]
In Nebraska Law Review: Bulletin, Professor Michael Conklin writes that the use of the small penis rule would be ineffective to defend against defamation lawsuits. The reasons given are that the statement that a person has a small penis can be taken as defamatory in itself; the use of the rule is effectively an admission that defamation did occur; and the libelled person need not necessarily admit to having a small penis in order to claim damages. Conklin argues that its effectiveness is that the potential humiliation of being associated with a character with a small penis may deter legal action from being initiated.[2][3]
Examples
The small penis rule was referenced in a 2006 dispute between American journalist Michael Crowley and American author Michael Crichton. Crowley alleged that after he wrote an unflattering review of Crichton's novel State of Fear, Crichton included a character named "Mick Crowley" in the novel Next. The character is a child rapist, described as being a Washington, D.C.–based journalist and Yale graduate with a small penis.[4]
In response to being snubbed by fellow writer and former classmate Martin Amis, British crime writer Peter James included in his novel Not Dead Yet a villainous character named Amis Smallbone. In the novel, Smallbone's penis is mocked by a prostitute, who refers to it as "like a tiny little pencil stub".[5] The television show QI, while discussing the small penis rule, cited Amis Smallbone as an example.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Dinitia Smith (24 October 1998). "Writers as Plunderers; Why Do They Keep Giving Away Other People's Secrets?". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
- ^ Michael Conklin, The Big Problem with the Small Penis Rule: Why It Does Not Limit Defamation Liability, NEB. L. REV.: BULL. (March 17, 2021), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3750267 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3750267
- ^ https://lawreview.unl.edu/big-problem-small-penis-rule-why-it-does-not-limit-defamation-liability/
- ^ Felicia R. Lee (14 December 2006). "Columnist Accuses Crichton of 'Literary Hit-and-Run'". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
- ^ Cole Moreton (27 May 2012). "Peter James: how I hit back at my stalker – and Martin Amis". The Sunday Telegraph.
- ^ "Justice". QI XL. Season J. Episode 12. 8 December 2012. Event occurs at 12:08.