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To: FreeTally
That sounds great in theory, but I would guess there is case law in every state that disallows defamation claims based upon the (presumably) false use of statistics.

In Maine there is this statute which sounds interesting:

Chapter 19: FALSIFICATION IN OFFICIAL MATTERS §451 - §457

§456. Tampering with public records or information

1. A person is guilty of tampering with public records or information if he:
A. Knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of any record, document or thing belonging to, or received or kept by the government, or required by law to be kept by others for the information of the government; or [1975, c. 499, § 1 (new).]

B. Presents or uses any record, document or thing knowing it to be false, and with intent that it be taken as a genuine part of information or records referred to in subsection 1, paragraph A; or [1975, c. 499, § 1 (new).]

C. Intentionally destroys, conceals, removes or otherwise impairs the verity or availability of any such record, document or thing, knowing that he lacks authority to do so. [1975, c. 499, § 1 (new).] [1975, c. 499, § 1 (new).]

2. Tampering with public records or information is a Class D crime. [1975, c. 499, § 1 (new).]

Sounds like section B could be used against every lying Health Department in the state.

19 posted on 06/12/2002 2:35:18 PM PDT by metesky
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is it just me...or did cigs in california suddenly jump about 20 cents everywhere? are they easing us into some new tax I didn't hear about???
20 posted on 06/12/2002 3:44:00 PM PDT by KneelBeforeZod
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