ABSTRACT
Legal restrictions on strategic writing depend on the purpose of the writing. US courts have ruled that free expression falls into two general categories: political speech and commercial speech. Communication laws constantly evolve, and strategic writers need to keep up with the changes. Traditionally, writers should keep updated in six areas of communication law: libel, invasion of privacy, deceptive advertising, electioneering, copyright and financial disclosure. "If a strategic document includes an untrue claim that exposes an individual to public scorn, hatred or ridicule, that message may be libelous—and, therefore, subject to legal action. Writers who help create international strategic communications campaigns should be aware of the differences. "For strategic writers, copyright law regulates the use of someone else's creative work. Even if fair use does protect borrowing, strategic writers should always credit, in writing, the creator of the work.
