It would seem on the surface that the judge’s actions should be viewed as hasty, in the form of pronouncing the particular websites as “guilty” merely on the accusations, and legal arguments of the plaintiffs, without the full case having been heard, to determine any valid claims and assess any particular remedies.
Even then, “libel” and such are “civil” offenses and even if the plaintiffs won their arguments, doing so would allow them to go after the defendants for (a) removal of “offending” material, (b) consent agreements to not publish such material in the future and damages for the past offenses. In none of those things should a state judge find grounds or authority to simply, judicially demand the websites be “taken off the air”.
The websites and their web-hosting service companies should deny the judge’s order, and force his ruling into review by higher courts.
I found out one of the reasons, Apex got this order, they just happened to be headquartered in Middlesex County New Jersey. Also, I think the defendants didn’t show except for a lawyer and is trying to hide his identity. Sounded like a default judgement deal mixed in with a non-technical Judge.