In certain egregious cases, respected book reviewers such as Publishers Weekly have gone out of their way to caution readers by noting that the subjects are "conveniently for legal purposes, are deceased." a number of which led to lawsuits. However, for living people, the courts can and have become involved when the subject of a book believes their character has been deliberately harmed.
In certain extreme situations, respected book reviewers like Publishers Weekly have gone out of their way to warn readers that the subjects are "conveniently deceased" for legal reasons. This led to lawsuits. However, in cases involving living people, courts can and have intervened when a person believes their reputation has been harmed.