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[Vertigo Swirl]

This is what I wanted clarity on.  Was a time you couldn't write anything libellous on this forum no matter how you couched it.  Since Holly appeared on the scene apparently it's OK to write "I seem to think" before any libellous statement, thus removing its libellous status.  CLARITY PLEASE!

[G-Unit]

This is what I wanted clarity on.  Was a time you couldn't write anything libellous on this forum no matter how you couched it.  Since Holly appeared on the scene apparently it's OK to write "I seem to think" before any libellous statement, thus removing its libellous status.  CLARITY PLEASE!

Publication need only be to one person, but it must be a statement which claims to be fact and is not clearly identified as an opinion.

Quoted here by Ferryman;
http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=7248.msg337957#msg337957

[The General]

"I seem to think the McCanns murdered their child in cold blood and tossed the body in the bin".  Not libellous?

You see I think that passes the test of 'opinion', with the prefix of 'I seem to think', which, by default, the statement refers to the person's opinion. In my opinion.

[Mr Gray]

You see I think that passes the test of 'opinion', with the prefix of 'I seem to think', which, by default, the statement refers to the person's opinion. In my opinion.

I don't think you can avoid a libel charge by simply claiming it's your opinion...

[The General]

I don't think you can avoid a libel charge by simply claiming it's your opinion...

That's why I stated that it passes the 'opinion' test. The statement would come under scrutiny from other, more nuanced tests will also, such as damage to reputation, etc.

[Mr Gray]

Publication need only be to one person, but it must be a statement which claims to be fact and is not clearly identified as an opinion.

Quoted here by Ferryman;
http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=7248.msg337957#msg337957

That looks like American law

[Mr Gray]

That's why I stated that it passes the 'opinion' test. The statement would come under scrutiny from other, more nuanced tests will also, such as damage to reputation, etc.

Then you should refer to what you mean by the opinion test... Stating that something is your opinion is not a defence against libel... It's more complex

[Vertigo Swirl]

Funny then how we have been repeatedly told that sceptics are not allowed to post their theories about how the McCanns did away with their child on this forum.  Surely a theory is just an opinion?  If this is the case, then let's here those theories right here, right now!  In the past the response has always been an accusation that I was trying to get people into trouble with the libel rules of the forum.  Good to know this is no longer an issue. 

[The General]

Then you should refer to what you mean by the opinion test... Stating that something is your opinion is not a defence against libel... It's more complex

That's what I said, dear old fruit.

[Mr Gray]

That's what I said, dear old fruit.

It's the Honest Opinion test for starters and simply claiming a statement to be an opinion doesn't pass it

[The General]

It's the Honest Opinion test for starters and simply claiming a statement to be an opinion doesn't pass it

That's what I said.

[G-Unit]

That's why I stated that it passes the 'opinion' test. The statement would come under scrutiny from other, more nuanced tests will also, such as damage to reputation, etc.

I think Gerry McCann might struggle to show that his reputation was damaged by someone on an internet forum.

[Vertigo Swirl]

I think Gerry McCann might struggle to show that his reputation was damaged by someone on an internet forum.

I agree, let's hope John agrees too and we can dispense with the ridiculous rule that sceptics cannot write their detailed opinions on how the McCanns committed such a perfidious crime. 

[The General]

I think Gerry McCann might struggle to show that his reputation was damaged by someone on an internet forum.

Not when you've got bellends making videos about the Podestas / Freud / lizard people being involved in some global paedo conspiracy. (Not my opinion, just in case, etc)

[Vertigo Swirl]

So, for clarity: You may write:

"I seem to think the McCanns are lying b........s who covered up the death of their child".
You may not write:
"The McCanns are lying b........s who covered up the death of their child"

Are we all agreed?  John, please confirm.