Truth About Political Lawsuits

This is not news. Suing someone into submission is an old tactic. Almost anyone with well-funded enemies can expect to be battered by a series of legal actions designed to defame, harass and intimidate. He11, it could even happen to the President of the United States!

When companies do it to consumer groups and individuals, it's called SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). See:
http://www.freedomforum.org/speech/1998/2/17slappsuits.asp

Governments use this tactic too, as firearms manufacturers know. The cities filing suits blaming gun makers for crime don't need to win in court if they can drive Glock or Ruger out of business with court costs.

The difference in the news article cited is that the defendants actually did something wrong to the plaintiffs. The Aryan Nation wasn't just speaking their mind here, they attacked a woman and her sons. The "guards" were acting in their role as members of the Aryan Nation, and the legal principle called respondeat superior says that an organization is liable for the actions of those who act on its behalf. (DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice.)

The right to seek legal redress is precious, as is the right to free speech. We need both. Sometimes, we have to find a balance between rights, and this is where we have to put our trust in 12 of our fellow citizens.
 
Yes agreed this is an OLD tactic, BUT it is the first time I have seen it reported for what it is in the News, that they want to Bankrupt a group! Even though they did attack those people it is still mostly a Political suit!


[This message has been edited by Dead (edited August 28, 2000).]
 
Dead, the Anti-defamation League has for a long time now openly admitted that their basic tactic is simply to keep these "hate groups" in court until they are bankrupt! Their honcho ( Morris Dees I think his name is, though I could be wrong, I have a lousy memory for names) re-iterated that just the other day!
crankshaft
paranoia is a good thing to have when they are actually out to get You!
 
I recall people suggesting the use of lawsuits and the threat thereof against companies who ban guns on their premises. Oops.

Also, I have little sympathy for hate groups. The Oregon suit against Tom Metzger was justified as this one might be.

Use the legislative process if you don't like it. George W. Bush signed a law protecting gun manufacturers against such suits in TX.

Have your legislature pass a law protecting hate groups.
 
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