Download a printable PDF of this article (membership required).
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: OMG, "Twibel" Claims? R U 4 Real?
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: OMG, "Twibel" Claims? R U 4 Real?
Vol. 38 No. 3
The author, a senior editor of Litigation, is with Holland & Knight LLP, Washington, DC.
Can you imagine trying to tweet an argument supporting a motion to dismiss in a defamation action brought by, say, a restaurateur?
Pltf hz no COA. Opinions r protected if they dont contain verifiable fact. So in Vilardo v. Nolan, the court held the phrase “Ur golf swing is as graceful as an elephants” wasnt actionable; pachyderms dont hit the links. Likewise here saying the restaurants “pot roast tastes like dogfood” cant be verified—unless u really want to gross out a jury. Therefore my client wins.
