Law and ethics
Right of reply
Also: right to reply
Giving the subject of a critical story a genuine chance to respond before you publish. Both an ethical duty and a legal shield.
If you are about to publish something damaging about someone, you put it to them first and give them a real chance to answer. It is basic fairness, it often improves the story, and it strengthens your position if the lawyers come calling. "They did not respond by deadline" only counts if you actually gave them one.