Judge Orders Identities of Members of Forum

[theantiquetiger]

I was wondering when this would happen...

http://www.indystar.com/article/2011...rs?odyssey=tab

[SeattleEd]

Open the flood gates.
Deem this to have it's pros and cons which means it will be abused.

[Batman]

Well there went to "Freedom Of Speech" as long as someone doesn't get's their panties in a bunch it's fine (I guess)

And for all of the people that are two faced and say one thing but mean another this would be "Perfect" for them...

[torgospizza]

A quote from the Comments section of the article: "Anything posted in the comments sections of news media web sites could be considered libel and those who write it should be held accountable." The problem I have is with how the guy said "anything."

[The Bat]

Well, I'd better not post on this one...because this is a political Powder Caig if I've ever seen one.

[Brad]

First, freedom of speech only applies to the government not being able to tell you what you can and can't say. It does not apply to any private business or entity. My boss can tell me what I can and can't say as can the owner of this site. My Mayor can NOT tell me what I can and can't say. This is a very common misconception of the freedom of speech rights.

Second, they will have to prove that the person suffered damages to actually prove any defamation. I can say all I want about somebody and I would not be guilty of defamation if 1) it was proven, factual information, 2) the party could not prove any harm was caused by the remarks.

Of course there is much more to it then that but it at least gives you an idea of why many defamation suits are baseless.

[Zemo]

So what, I'm Hector, they already talked to me.