Privacy and one´ s own image: the echos of American common law and the evolving Spanish constitutional caselaw

“Cada hombre es responsable de sus propios actos y omisiones. Si condona lo que él mismo reprueba, con la misma arma de la que se defiende, él mismo es responsable de los resultados. Si resiste, la opinión pública correrá en su auxilio. ¿Tiene entonces esa arma? Se cree que el common law le proporciona una forjada en el fuego lento de los siglos, y templada hasta el día de hoy para ponerla en su mano. El common law siempre ha reconocido que la casa de un hombre es como su castillo, inexpugnable a menudo incluso para la autoridad […] ¿Han entonces los Tribunales de cerrar la puerta principal de entrada a la autoridad constituida para abrir ampliamente la puerta trasera a la ociosa y lasciva curiosidad?”. S. Warren; L. Brandeis (1890). The Right to Privacy

Abstract

If we examine the Spanish constitutional jurisprudence about the disputed relationships between freedom of speech and personality rights, such as privacy and one´s own image (right to publicity), it can be traced the deep influence of North American constitutionalism. Its echo is undeniable, particularly not only concerning the dispute resolution techniques applied, namely, the balancing test and the preferred position doctrine, but also the comprehensive understanding of privacy and one´s own image as personality rights against the power of media. Considering this unquestionable influence of American common law, this paper examines how Spanish constitutional jurisprudence has evolved in determining the extent, nature and scope of privacy and one´s own image against current practices of media. In addition, it will be analysed how the recent jurisprudence of the Spanish Supreme Court is putting at risk the deserved and suitable protection of these personality rights and how such new trend thereof, actually, reflects certain journalistic practices absolutely discredited by our Constitutional Court and by the European Court of Human Rights.