Re: Slander

Hugh Jarvis (C129QP43@UBVM.BITNET)
Fri, 14 Oct 1994 19:35:20 EDT

John, I'm trying to keep my activity down right now, but my limited
(too limited) understanding is that slander involves a "statement
of untruth" about another person, which includes mentioning rumours.
The *only* defense against it, besides couching your language to
make it clear you are only stating an opnion or not *strongly*
criticising someone in the first place, is to be able to show that
your allegations are true. But the statements have to be pretty
strong to be libellous: e.g. "you're a thief", "someone told me you
are academically dishonest"...

My apologies for not being fully informed on this important matter.
I will try to learn more, and would very much appreciate people
posting what information (but not opinion please) on Net legalities.
The aree of Net law is just in its infancy, and it is advancing very
rapidly.

That's why I suggested people be careful, in this particular thread,
and in general.

Hugh