[Poohbah]

On the other hand, if someone were to call Schiavo a murderer it would likely be a defense that because the story has gained such notoriety most people would know that he didn't actually 'murder' his wife and the such language would be rhetorical in nature. This would be much like calling an abortionist a murderer.

Quite true. But the more lurid allegations are that Mr. Schiavo deliberately CAUSED his wife's injuries.

[FITZ]

Quite true. But the more lurid allegations are that Mr. Schiavo deliberately CAUSED his wife's injuries.

Since the jury found OJ Simpson innocent ---- if someone alleges that he deliberately CAUSED his ex-wife's injuries then can OJ sue them for slander or libel? Same with Scott Peterson, since no court of law yes yet decided on his innocence or guilt ---- can he sue someone who suggests he murdered Laci?