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Original poster

tell people the law.. suggestion

36 replies

Appletrees · 21/11/2010 09:58

Can't you put up a very clear notice/tab saying this is basically the law as regards defamation, prejudice etc. If there are people who think its ok to say "I think Mr x conspired to murder Mrs x" you really need it.

OP posts:
edam · 21/11/2010 14:20

Contempt of court is serious and can lead to criminal proceedings against those committing it, as well as the abandonment of trials.

But you can't stop people talking about high profile cases. The internet has brought what used to be pub conversations to a wider arena. The state can do its best to make sure the formal media don't prejudice trials (although it has happened) but I'm not sure how it can stop people talking online. Even if they could, you'd have to employ an army of people to monitor Facebook and Twitter and every chat room. Even a notice at the top of a thread won't necessarily be read, understood and acted on by all posters.

Original poster
Appletrees · 21/11/2010 14:16

Defamation is defamation... more outlets just means a bigger payout.

OP posts:
Lulumaam · 21/11/2010 14:14

that was slightly different scenario

i imagine there are discussions all over the internet about this high profile case you are discussing

3beagles · 21/11/2010 14:11

It happened before didn't it? Gina Ford... Rockets...

Original poster
Appletrees · 21/11/2010 13:13

I di.. it was deleted.. I don't know, mn is so high profile, if I was that guy I could sue. I could, basically, sue.

OP posts:
Lulumaam · 21/11/2010 13:06

well, if you think that the thread could possibly prejudice a fair trial, you should report to MNHQ with your concerns

Original poster
Appletrees · 21/11/2010 10:12

Phone phone. Phone

OP posts:
Original poster
Appletrees · 21/11/2010 10:12

The last thread was almost putting together a case. I think we need basic guidelines about what can be said.

Don't forget, if someone is charged and someone says something really prejudicial to a potential court case that could mean someone getting off or a mistrial. Sow basic legal advice is needed. I'm not up on it but I know you can't go Roy.d putting togetheracase like that.

OP posts:
Lulumaam · 21/11/2010 10:06

if it's an opinion, surely that's ok? if you say it's your opinion, and allegedly and all that jazz?

or it would be illegal to speculate on anything in current affairs.

It is not defamatory to say you thikn something, it is to state it as a fact , no?

Original poster
Appletrees · 21/11/2010 10:04

The law on defamation happened.

OP posts:
Tee2072 · 21/11/2010 10:03

Just because there's a 'tab/notice' doesn't mean people will read it.

And what happened for people to be allowed to have opinions.