news.cnet.com— Sometimes, we say things we just don't mean. Or, more accurately, that we really do mean, but we wish we hadn't said in public.
Mar 13, 2010View in Crawl 4
Freedom of speech only applies to the government not prohibiting it. It has nothing to do with whether a private party does.This isn't a constitutional issue.
Whilst that is all reasonable analysis and I concur that English libel law needs tightening (although i don't disagree with the fact that you must prove the truth of the statement if you made it, that's basic accountability, but we also get "Libel tourism" and other crap). However, the article is about harassment, a completely different area of law that covers things more like sending abusive messages (letters, phone calls, whatever) to people as localzuk above states. To be honest, i can see how the case got to court and why this man may have been found guilty of it. Of course, the article is completely one sided and doesn't mention any other details (was it coupled with any other form of contact) or whether the message was highly threatening (although the message itself was not released). That's exactly why we have harassment law...
Actually, the event happened in Wales, not England. You American's have good laws and all, especially to protect free speech, it would be nice to have that here. However, your geography lessons clearly need improving.Just to clear it up for those of you outside the UK:The UK consists of four separate countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.Oh and just to confirm: Europe is not a country
You do realise that they can make fun of things here, and they generally do. Just check out some of the British comedy shows (Live at The Apollo for example) It just so happens that they tend not to get sued, believe it or not the British, although FAR from perfect, tend not to have the mentality of suing everyone for stupid things.
georgewkushMar 13, 2010
He wouldn't have insulted her if she wasn't being a stupid ****.
jgmcgowanMar 13, 2010
Freedom of speech only applies to the government not prohibiting it. It has nothing to do with whether a private party does.This isn't a constitutional issue.
nidstylesMar 13, 2010
Only in the Nanny state UK.
planetexpressMar 14, 2010
Whilst that is all reasonable analysis and I concur that English libel law needs tightening (although i don't disagree with the fact that you must prove the truth of the statement if you made it, that's basic accountability, but we also get "Libel tourism" and other crap). However, the article is about harassment, a completely different area of law that covers things more like sending abusive messages (letters, phone calls, whatever) to people as localzuk above states. To be honest, i can see how the case got to court and why this man may have been found guilty of it. Of course, the article is completely one sided and doesn't mention any other details (was it coupled with any other form of contact) or whether the message was highly threatening (although the message itself was not released). That's exactly why we have harassment law...
dailydose4meMar 14, 2010
He' one unlucky boy !
redshoulderMar 14, 2010
@ringo0309Thank you Dark Helmet! May the Schwartz be with you!
nextrixMar 14, 2010
Well your actually right, so thank you.
scottussMar 14, 2010
Actually, the event happened in Wales, not England. You American's have good laws and all, especially to protect free speech, it would be nice to have that here. However, your geography lessons clearly need improving.Just to clear it up for those of you outside the UK:The UK consists of four separate countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.Oh and just to confirm: Europe is not a country
scottussMar 14, 2010
You do realise that they can make fun of things here, and they generally do. Just check out some of the British comedy shows (Live at The Apollo for example) It just so happens that they tend not to get sued, believe it or not the British, although FAR from perfect, tend not to have the mentality of suing everyone for stupid things.