Bus415 Business Ethics Case

Running Head: Business Ethics Case

Business Ethics Case

Student Name

BUS/415 Business Law

Date

Instructor Name

Business Ethics Case

The National Enquirer, Inc. is a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in Florida. It publishes the National Enquirer, a national weekly newspaper with a total circulation of more than 5 million copies. About 600,000 copies, almost twice the level in the next highest state, are sold in California. The National Enquirer published an article about Shirley Jones, an entertainer. Jones, a California resident, filed a lawsuit in California state court against the National Enquirer and its president, who was a resident of Florida. The California lawsuit sought damages for alleged defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Calder v. Jones, 465 U.S. 783, 104 S.Ct. 1482, 79 L.Ed.2d 804, Web 1984 U.S. Lexis 4 (Supreme Court of the United States)

What kind of paper is the National Enquirer?

The National Enquirer is a tabloid magazine. The magazine typically focuses on celebrity news and gossip, as well as exaggerated stories that range from alien abductions to celebrity romance. Although the magazine is not typically viewed as a credible resource, the company’s bottom line is solid. According to Funding Universe (n.d.), the Enquirer’s holding company, Enquirer/Star Group, has 1,331 employees and has operating revenues of $275.38 million. “The $1.25-a-copy National Enquirer and Star enjoy a combined weekly circulation of seven million. Only TV Guide sells more copies” (Funding Universe, n.d.).

Was it ethical for the National Enquirer to try to avoid suit in California?

It was not ethical of the National Enquirer to avoid suit in California, as, “the Supreme Court stated that it was difficult to conceive how a defendant who allegedly engaged in a focused act which inevitably results in harm to the injured party in the home forum could not have reasonably...