In the panel discussion I was part of this weekend, we were asked whether or not we worried about being held liable for anything we wrote. Some did worry about it, and said they just tried not to write anything they did not have adequate backup to support, while others said they just didn't think much about it at all. The point was also raised that since we write mostly about politicians, who are public figures, the standard was different than that applied to private citizens not running for public office.
Considering cases like this one, I think I will be using the word "allegedly" a bit more frequently than in the past.
A Florida woman has been awarded $11.3 million in a defamation lawsuit against a Louisiana woman who posted messages on the Internet accusing her of being a "crook," a "con artist" and a "fraud."Legal analysts say the Sept. 19 award by a jury in Broward County, Fla. -- first reported Friday by the Daily Business Review -- represents the largest such judgment over postings on an Internet blog or message board. Lyrissa Lidsky, a University of Florida law professor who specializes in free-speech issues, calls the award "astonishing."
Lidsky says the case could represent a coming trend in court fights over online messages because the woman who won the damage award, Sue Scheff of Weston, Fla., pursued the case even though she knew the defendant, Carey Bock of Mandeville, La., has no hope of paying such an award. Bock, who had to leave her home for several months because of Hurricane Katrina, couldn't afford an attorney and didn't show up for the trial.
"What's interesting about this case is that (Scheff) was so vested in being vindicated, she was willing to pay court costs," Lidsky says. "They knew before trial that the defendant couldn't pay, so what's the point in going to the jury?"
Scheff says she wanted to make a point to those who unfairly criticize others on the Internet. "I'm sure (Bock) doesn't have $1 million, let alone $11 million, but the message is strong and clear," Scheff says. "People are using the Internet to destroy people they don't like, and you can't do that."
Comments (10)
You guys better watch what ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Rob | October 11, 2006 9:00 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
You guys better watch what you call Lee from now on.
1. Posted by Rob | October 11, 2006 9:00 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 09:00
2. Posted by drjohn | October 11, 2006 9:00 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
We're allegedly grateful for this information!
2. Posted by drjohn | October 11, 2006 9:00 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 09:00
3. Posted by Scrapiron | October 11, 2006 9:42 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Lee, who is Lee? "Is that really his name"? I think he is 'allegedly' the sister of Mickey Mouse. "This is just my opinion, and I was wrong one time, back in 1909". "Allegedly Lee is Howling Howie/Hillaries offspring, could that be true"?
All of the above are quotes by some unknown creature from the La. swamp.
3. Posted by Scrapiron | October 11, 2006 9:42 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 09:42
4. Posted by VagaBond | October 11, 2006 9:47 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
You guys better watch what you call Lee from now on.
And when Lee calls Republicans liars, do we ask for a link then sue? Or sue first, then ask for a link?
4. Posted by VagaBond | October 11, 2006 9:47 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 09:47
5. Posted by TC@LeatherPenguin | October 11, 2006 9:55 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I went to the website mentioned in the article, and it seems this Scheff character (from reading some of the posts there) is a pretty whacked out piece of work, ready to sue anyone who crosses her or disparages her rather dubious outfit.
5. Posted by TC@LeatherPenguin | October 11, 2006 9:55 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 09:55
6. Posted by dave | October 11, 2006 10:14 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
reminds me of an SNL skit (back when it was funny).
Mike Tyson is doing a monologue of some sort and says "That girl I raped... allegedly"
6. Posted by dave | October 11, 2006 10:14 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 10:14
7. Posted by Sheik Yur Bouty | October 11, 2006 10:48 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Scrapiron,
Allegedly, and I repeat ALLEGEDLY, Lee is a human being with non-vegetative brain function. That has yet to be actually confirmed, but that is allegedly the case.
7. Posted by Sheik Yur Bouty | October 11, 2006 10:48 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 10:48
8. Posted by P. Bunyan | October 11, 2006 11:36 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Chalk this one up as another victory for the left wings Culture of Litigation.
8. Posted by P. Bunyan | October 11, 2006 11:36 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 11:36
9. Posted by Steve L. | October 11, 2006 11:41 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
When the defendant didn't show up, the plaintiff won by default. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in this sort of thing until there is a real trial that is fought out in court to a verdict.
9. Posted by Steve L. | October 11, 2006 11:41 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 11:41
10. Posted by SilverBubble | October 11, 2006 9:48 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
That is completely insane.
That being said, it reminds me of my favorite lawyer joke:
Lawyers have feelings... allegedly.
10. Posted by SilverBubble | October 11, 2006 9:48 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 11, 2006 21:48