Today some people argue that elected government officials should never be able to sue for libel even in cases where false information about them is published internationally and maliciously.
2006-11-24 09:18:47 · 8 answers · asked by nobody 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
I completely disagree. The public are so stupid that they believe anything that's published; we need to have some controls over what can be released on these officials. Politics isn't about politics; it's far too personal and there are too many people voting against a particular party rather than for one. Politicians should be able to get compensation when someone publishes false information about them, otherwise this whole situation will esculate out of control. The people need to know the truth.
2006-11-24 09:24:15 · answer #1 · answered by Syddy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I strongly disagree. Public officials, elected or otherwise, should have the same protection against character assignation as any other citizen. If such a right were denied them, there would be no restraint on the use of false statements to influence public opinion. The only present prohibition against libel actions is where statements are made on the floor of Congress. There, the person making the statement is known, and his allegations can be immediately refuted, if possible. This is as it should be.
2006-11-24 17:31:34 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I disagree. While governmental officials have many privileges WE DO NOT, (health care, humongous pensions & so on), this isn't a logical reason why they shouldn't be able to sue for libel. I wasn't aware there was any dispute about this--wish you'd given a "link" so I could be better informed.
2006-11-24 17:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If information is published maliciously then as a human right they should be able to seek redress from the perpetrator irrespective of who they are. Not necessarily a monetary issue but at the very least a retraction and apology is in order. "Mud Sticks"
2006-11-24 17:29:34 · answer #4 · answered by yamgran 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Disagree
2006-11-24 17:22:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bad, if it is true, then you have the ultimate defense against a slander claim, but if you are like some tabloids and make stuff up, you should have to sell your children to pedos to get the massive amount of money that shouldbe awarded your victims.
2006-11-24 17:20:36 · answer #6 · answered by netnazivictim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I don't believe they give up their right to legal recourse when elected to office. Maybe if they were allowed too it might become to costly for the smear tactics we all see at election time. Perhaps then it would become the issues that matter
2006-11-24 17:32:49 · answer #7 · answered by cyberdrifter@verizon.net 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is best for people in the lime light not to sue some one that said something bad about them.
If its true it just will draw more attention to them.
If it is false it will just bring more attention to them.
So unless you want more attention don't sue some one & draw more attention to youself.
2006-11-24 17:31:11 · answer #8 · answered by Floyd B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋