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New Member
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Jul 10, 2010, 06:51 AM
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Calling an elected official a Weasle!
In reference to his continuous disregard of the public and the performance of his duty, the sign said "City Manger Joe Doe, a worthless weasel".
Are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?
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Uber Member
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Jul 10, 2010, 07:36 AM
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No - slander, libel laws apply to everyone.
Is there a specific problem?
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Expert
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Jul 10, 2010, 07:38 AM
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Wouldn't this be considered "mudslining" in the political community?
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Expert
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Jul 10, 2010, 07:41 AM
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Well if you look at political and even movie stars stars, look at the names people called Bush and now the names people are calling Obama and I would say that there has to be some area where there is a difference
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Uber Member
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Jul 10, 2010, 09:32 AM
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Bush and Obama didn't have the time, energy or stomach to respond to critics, to get into your opinion vs my opinion vs public perception.
But the slander/libel laws are what they are.
Movie stars every now and then have had enough and do sue and do win - if the report is false.
In politics I think if you get down and wrestle with pigs you also get covered with mud and so they don't bother.
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Uber Member
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Jul 10, 2010, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by hader
the sign said "City Manger Joe Doe, a worthless weasel".
are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?
Hello hader:
I agree with Judy. But the sign, as it is worded it, is NOT libel.
excon
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Expert
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Jul 10, 2010, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by hader
... are public officials different from individuals when it comes to Libel?
Yes. If the official is considered a public figure, it's more difficult for the official to win a defamation case against one who says or writes something about that official.
But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory.
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Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
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Jul 10, 2010, 06:23 PM
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The Supreme Court does hold libel cases bought by people in the public eye to a higher standard then cases by ordinary citizens.
The Law: Libel Liability: Test for Public Figures - TIME
But I agree, the sign expresses an opinion and is not an accusation of wrong doing so is not actionable.
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Expert
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Jul 10, 2010, 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ScottGem
The linked article is dated Jun. 23, 1967! I don't recall if we even had the Internet back then. :)
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Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
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Jul 10, 2010, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by AK lawyer
The linked article is dated Jun. 23, 1967! I don't recall if we even had the Internet back then. :)
And that matters because?
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New Member
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Jul 10, 2010, 08:01 PM
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Comment on AK lawyer's post
"But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory."
Run that one more time by me!
What are you saying? I want to be clear on what you said.
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New Member
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Jul 12, 2010, 07:25 AM
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Ak lawyer Said: "But in any case, calling someone a "worthless weasel" is not, without more, defamatory."
Can someone explain what he is trying to say? Thanks!
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Uber Member
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Jul 12, 2010, 07:27 AM
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I'm not a Lawyer... But most elected officials are weasels.
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Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
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Jul 12, 2010, 07:28 AM
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Its not libel by itself. There would need to be a more defamatory statement.
For example:
Not libel:
So and so is a worthless weasel
Libel:
So and so is a worthless weasel who stole from the people.
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New Member
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Jul 12, 2010, 07:50 AM
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Comment on ScottGem's post
Thank you!
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