[Chancellor Palpatine]

Yep - he sues FR first in Federal Court, using that to yank up IPs, pulled posts, even FReepmail from offending posters. Those who live out of state get joined to the original action, and the Florida FReepers get named in a separate state court suit.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

EXACTLY! With FR being sued, as well as individual posters, FR could cease to exist.

If we truly believe that we are entering into the biggest political battle of our lives, as evidenced by 2002, 2003, and California, ANY EXCUSE given will be used to bring down FR. Look at Bennett and Rush.

[Modernman]

Yep - he sues FR first in Federal Court, using that to yank up IPs, pulled posts, even FReepmail from offending posters.

Not much Jim could do in that situation. Even if he defies a court order, that just means federal marshals come in and seize the servers and such. If he were to erase stuff, he'd be charged with destruction of evidence or whatnot.

[el_chupacabra]

In diversity actions, you must also meet the minimum threshold amount in controversy. I think plaintiff would have a difficult time convincing a judge that a statement made on an internet discussion forum was the direct and proximate cause of damage exeeding the statutory minimum.

I also doubt that posting internet message board entries from your home in Idaho would be sufficient to give the Fla District Court personal jurisdiction.

But don't let that get in the way of your efforts to intimidate.