"DOVER - The Delaware Supreme Court waded chest-deep Wednesday into an Internet free-speech case, seeking to strike a balance between one person's right to free speech against another's claims of libel.
"Smyrna Town Councilman Patrick J. Cahill and his wife Julie filed the suit last year in Superior Court alleging they were defamed by four anonymous posters to a community issues Web log - or blog - on the Internet."
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Delaware court hears blog libel case
From newszap.com:
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2 comments:
This is a difficult case. If the victim, so to speak, was not a councilman, it would be a series of childish games. But due to his position in society as well as careerfield, the offensive blog could prove to be damaging. There is no precedent to go by, because our forefathers could not see the internet way back when the ammendments were established and the internet, especially blogs, are so new. Whenever issues like this are brought up, not only is it a question of legality but also a feel for maturity on the offenders part. I mean really, is it necessary to crack on someone over the internet and not even post your own name? It's like throwing rocks at someone and running. There is the potential to be caught, but someone so scared to reveal identity is it even worth it? If money was not involved, would the councilman even pursue this any further or would he just handle such criticism? -jaime s.
Here's a report of a similar suit in the Chicago suburbs from Obiter Dictum and Marathon Pundit:
Illinois Blogger Sued for $1 Million
Hat tip to Obiter Dictum on this one. I don't know much about this case or this blogger, but Proviso Township, IL (west of Oak Park, east of DuPage County) is not know for its high standards of public service or ethics. Of course, we'll taking about Illinosi here, so that may not mean much.
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