Replies

Thank you for the reference and information on the differences between libel and slander. I really do appreciate it because I was not sure of the difference myself.

However, after reading the information you provided, I am even more convinced that it would be almost impossible for HKS/Lin Wood to go after any poster on this site (or any of the other sites I’ve read) for that matter. I’m not saying that there aren’t blogs or websites that HKS/LW might have a case to go after, but this site is not one of those. If you need me to go over the reasons, point by point, I will, but there are so many stipulations that HKS could NOT in any way prove or even allege in most circumstances, that it is almost comical. If HKS and Lin Wood are going after the media or networks, good luck to them because I still believe they have an almost IMPOSSIBLE case to prove They might garner a lot of TV exposure, but I seriously doubt they could PROVE anything...especially with an ongoing INQUEST into one death, and the possibility that the other death investigation could be re-opened if there is any ‘new’ or additional information, which is entirely possible at this point. (If Anna’s death hadn’t occurred on the Seminole CASINO property, it is very likely the investigation would have had a different outcome...or STILL be ongoing).

HKS hired Lin Wood as to be his “MEDIA Body Guard”...no more, no less. When HKS and Lin Wood file a slander (or even a libel) suit againt O’Quinn, I will sit up and take notice. If they go after anyone before that, I will consider them PUSSIES!! Yes, I said it....either go after the BIG DOG or lie down and roll over!!

NOTE TO BRONWYNN - This post is not meant to be derogatory to you at all, and I really do appreciate your information about the slander/libel issue....so please don’t think I’m directing it at you at all. I just took the information your provided and posted my opinion about the circumstances of the case.

You're welcome for the information and I have to agree, it's a long-shot with the pitbull-antics.

If you look back in my posts, you'll see I'm pretty skeptical about the whole thing, especially the "blogger" focus. It gave me quite a chuckle.

That said, I did start to think that perhaps I was giving the wrong impression with that post, and almost the green light to proceed, full steam ahead. Since that was not my intention, I decided maybe it was better to put all the facts out there and let people be well-informed for their trouble.

On one side, I saw not enough caution being taken and on another side an over-flow of caution to the point where people felt their Constitutional right to speak was being silenced. I believe that was caused by a very vague "Don't do it!" threat announced by Lin Wood, with absolutely no clear explanation of the law to his layman audience, which he did directly address (i.e., bloggers).

While Mr. Wood may feel no legal or personal obligation to explain, I feel better about not leaving people in the dark and confused. That's why I went out and tried to find the best explanation on the net that a lawyer who practices in that field, can give.

I agree with your point in that I certainly don't think Free Republic is anywhere close to the sites I have seen. I exampled one but there are others; notably IsHowardKSternAMurderer. Remember that one? I even took time out to write to her and cautioned her to be careful, even with her "satirical" disclaimers. The email was rejected and bounced back to me for being too long. hahaha! Oh well, I did try. The person was definitely going in the wrong direction and I could see that. She also closed down the site (as some of you may know?) and I'm pretty sure why. She figured it out on her own. What unnerves me is that she STILL left herself open by now trying to sell the name. Is there anyone left that doesn't think about money besides the "bloggers"? Then again, even some of those participants are being accused of being paid!

See where this is going? You know, it's really a shame that the whole case was so hyped out, delayed and publicized the way it was. It actually invited the speculation it received. The people involved actually created the circus-like "entertainment". In fact, I think they were enjoying it a bit too much. For others, it was about laying the groundwork for legal sparring later on. And last but certainly not least, those with the interest of fame, ratings and money.

If anyone does wind up witnessing a defamation lawsuit, I hope a precedent will be set by a Judge who has the nerve to put the blame directly back on those who perpetuated this and admonish them accordingly. This is not the way our legal system should be exploited after the posturing, semantics and rhetoric that has been fed to the public; especially when you consider the carefully packaged morsels they dangled from overhead to ensure everyone stayed-tuned.

They created a monster. And now they want to contain it. I believe we do have a responsibilty to be informed of the law. But I also agree, they should be held to the higher standard, because they already knew the consequences and spun it out of control regardless.

Thanks for your thoughts on this issue and taking the time to read mine. If you are mad, you have every right to be. Here is a case that preyed on every human heartstring it could pluck, direct from the very people it involved. And now some of the are calling foul? They should start thinking about instituting better laws here. When a person can promulgate themselves before a camera, be paid for it as well, in the face of human tragedy no less, then seek to sue when someone throws the fruit, it's unconscionable. Morals and values, indeed. I wonder if half of them remember what those are.

Ok, I'm off my rant but I'm getting really burned up with the fiasco I'm witnessing that's supposed to be our democracy - our legal system - and our freedom that so many lives have paid for. This is an utter disgrace.

As usual, it's up to Joe Q. Citizen to get a grip.