Posted by Susan J on August 21, 2003, at 12:50:10
In reply to A short introduction on defamation, posted by Lou Pilder on August 19, 2003, at 19:00:56
Hi, guys,
In law, there is only a remedy (fines, jail time, ordered retractions, etc.) if there is an injury. Just saying something mean or hurtful or even spreading an outright lie, in itself, is not defamation.
The emphasis has to be on the injury it causes to the defamed person's GOOD REPUTATION. Defamation would only occur at this site if words tended to lower an individual's reputation within this community. I don't think it's applicable here.
Black's Law Dictionary Definition - Defamation - an intentional false communication, either published or publicly spoken, that injures another's reputation or good name. There has to be a GOOD REPUTATION there to injure for defamation to occur. A communication is defamatory if it tends to harm the reputation of another as to lower him in the estimation of the community or to deter third persons from associating or dealing with him.***
Also, we have no right to free speech here. That is a right conferred on us that allows us to express our thoughts and views without "governmental" restrictions. Dr. Bob can restrict our speech as he sees fit.
There is no perfect system, but there is perfect intent. And even though we sometimes step over the line of propriety, I truly believe most people here want to support and nurture and comfort one another.
I applaud those with the strength to leave this thread if they didn't see anything productive come of it. Obviously, I don't have that strength. :-)
poster:Susan J
thread:252280
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030808/msgs/252781.html