Libel and Slander

You are a reporter at a bar with some colleagues and overhear rumors about a Senator. Someone says he has a history of alcohol abuse and tends to go to Senate meetings under the influence of alcohol.

You believe he is an alcoholic and does often vote when he is under the influence of alcohol. After some investigation you find that the Senator does indeed get drunk before returning to the Senate. You know he often misses meetings and votes but you have no proof that this is because of his drinking problem.

What Would You Do?

Option A – Would you publish a story about the Senator’s alcohol problem and how it has affected his decision making, thus affecting the people he represents?

OR

Option B – Would you investigate further, and try to find a specific vote that has been effected by the Senator’s problem?