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single publication rule

noun

sin·​gle publication rule
: a rule in the law of libel that treats an edition of a print source (as a magazine) as one publication giving rise to one cause of action for libel regardless of how many copies were printed and where they were distributed

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Cite this Entry

“Single publication rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/single%20publication%20rule. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

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