Re:The Forbidden Topics
by matt-attack on Friday September 29, 2023 @11:27AM
(#37705646)
Libel isn’t not really a limit on the first amendment. It’s not a criminal offense and the government doesn’t have a law against it.
It’s just a civil offense for which you can be sued. So I think the language of the first amendment (the government shall pass no laws…) still stands true.
If the government didn't have a law, you wouldn't be able to sue
https://www.popehat.com/2016/06/11/hello-youve-been-referred...
"If you said something like "the First Amendment only stops the government from censoring you so it doesn't apply to this civil case, which is one individual suing another.""
a) Speech that spreads outright lies about someone, damaging their reputation for the sake of that damage, etc (libel & related). Knowingly spread lies, prepare to be held accountable.
b) Outright calls to incite violence, call for one group of citizens to go out & attack another group, and so on. There is (and should be) no room for that in a civilized society.
(maybe more. IANAL)
The article is not about above exceptions.