Here's a way to evaluate the what the Globe and Msgr. Foster's legal and public relations team did to Paul Edwards:

Jury Instructions: Elements of Defamation (Plaintiff is a Public Figure) ².

In order to prevail on his claim for defamation, the plaintiff must prove to you by a preponderance of the evidence the following elements:

1) The defendant published a statement of and concerning the plaintiff;

2) The defendant’s statements were defamatory in that they tended to hold the plaintiff up to scorn, hatred, ridicule, or contempt, in the minds of any considerable and respectable segment of the community.

3) S/he suffered actual injury or harm as a result of the publication in question.

Once the plaintiff has proven the above elements, s/he must then prove by clear and convincing evidence the last element:

4) The defendant published the defamatory statement with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity of the statement. "Reckless disregard" means that the defendant or the defendant’s agent entertained serious doubts as to the truth of the publication.

The element concerning proving that the defendant knowingly or recklessly published the false and defamatory statement requires a higher burden of proof, namely proof by clear and convincing evidence.

--Notes on the legal definition of defamation of a public figure from "Chapter 6: Defamation,"  Jody L. Newman, Massachusetts Superior Court Civil Practice Jury Instructions (1997)