big hack attack

[Greg Johnson]

"Mullen, Shaun" <mullens at phillynews.com> wrote:

>Fellow listers:
>
>It would be impolitic to suggest that the never-f*cking-ending
thread on Mr.
>Hack come to an end.  I won't do that, although a powerful case
has been
>made over the last few weeks in dozens of messages that the
concept of
>caveat emptor is as pertinent today as ever -- if not more so.
>
.A cautionary note:  Several of you have suggested that Mr. Hack
cries
>"slander" when it suits him.  I have substantial experience in
the world of
>libel/slander law.  Mr. Hack's threats are not necessarily
empty, and it
>would be a gosh darned shame if any of us had to sell our
precious quattros
>in order to fend off a slander or libel suit.

True, one needs to be very careful about what one says in a
public forum.  On the other hand, in any lawsuit, the plaintiff
bears the burden of proving libel and/or slander.  Further, the
truth is an absolute defense.  Hence, if the person who has
stated things about the plaintiff personally knows that they are
in fact true, then there is no liability.  Hence, one needs to be
very careful about what is said, and one has to know it to be
true.  Passing along heresay will not create a truth defense.

My .$02

Greg J