Sample Bluebook Exam Question:
Construct a textual footnote to tell the reader that, generally, courts have not required proof that a publisher knew a statement was defamatory at the time of its publication. Cite the case of Father Charles O’Brien versus The National Enquirer, Incorporated audits holding that: “It is absolutely no defense that [the] defamatory statement was not intended so long as it was interpreted as such.” Add emphasis to the word “absolutely.” The case was decided by the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on March 17, 1981. The case can be found in the Federal Reporter second series, volume 670. The case begins on page 433 and ends on page 500. The quoted material is on page 434.