Abstract We present a new framework for analyzing defamation liability that serves both to clarify and complicate understandings of the law’s consequences for speakers, victims, and the marketplace of ideas. In addition to the familiar deterrence and chilling effects, we show how defamation liability can generate a “warming effect,” making statements more credible and potentially raising both the quality and quantity of speech. We also explain how a more plaintiff-friendly liability regime may exacerbate harms to defamation victims. We end by considering the possibility of “self-tailored” defamation law, with victims or speakers selecting the defamation liability regime that applies to them.

中文翻译：

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言论自由和廉价谈话

摘要 我们提出了一个分析诽谤责任的新框架，该框架有助于澄清和复杂化对法律对说话者、受害者和思想市场的影响的理解。除了熟悉的威慑和寒蝉效应之外，我们还展示了诽谤责任如何产生“升温效应”，使言论更加可信，并有可能提高言论的质量和数量。我们还解释了对原告更友好的责任制度如何加剧对诽谤受害者的伤害。最后，我们考虑了“自我定制”诽谤法的可能性，受害者或发言人选择适用于他们的诽谤责任制度。