Final answer:
The person mentioned in Murphy v. Boston Herald, Judge Ernest Murphy, is classified as a public figure, requiring a higher standard of proof for defamation which includes demonstrating 'actual malice' as established by New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. So, the correct answer is a) public figure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The allegedly defamatory statement in Murphy v. Boston Herald pertains to the report that Judge Ernest Murphy said "Tell her to get over it."
The correct classification for this question is a) public figure, as Judge Murphy is considered a public official.
In the realm of defamation law, public figures like Judge Murphy face a higher threshold when proving defamation, as established in landmark cases like New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.
According to this precedent, a public figure needs to demonstrate not just that a statement is false, but that it was made with actual malice—that is, with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth.
This stringent standard makes it more challenging for public figures to prevail in defamation lawsuits as opposed to private individuals.
Thus, the correct answer is a) public figure.