Should it be illegal to call a living person a rapist, paedophile, or anything similar unless they have actually been convicted of it?

[Anonymous]

Yes

No

[strateguy632]

It already is. Defame laws: libel and slander. Even if a judge wrote rape, still that itsrlf is a crime too because only criminal conviction counts. Even that can be appealed in circuit court.

[strateguy632]

The First Amendment protects, among other things, freedom of speech, the law also recognizes that false statements can damage a person’s reputation.

constitution.findlaw.com/.../...rst-amendment.html

[slatyb]

Illegal? No, but libel and slander are actionable torts. Someone making false defamatory claims can be sued for damages.

[slatyb]

To do this one has to show that the libelous or slanderous speech has caused harm. If the remarks were dismissed by people who heard or read them, there is no damage.

[Anonymous]

In some states like Massachusetts, it's actually illegal. Patrick Clancy is suing these people who called him a child molester when no accusation has been made, no conviction, no trial, and no arrest has been made. It's defamation of character.

[Opinion Owner]

And those using that term when with no proof are hurting real victims. People like that are just as bad a s women who falsely accuse men and have them charged.

[slatyb]

There's a difference between illegal acts and actionable torts. People who make libelous claims are not subject to arrest, but can be sued.

[canamlusciouslad73]

They can still beat you up.

[canamlusciouslad73]

You can be sued for slander or libel for falsely calling someone a r*pist, p**dophile or the like.

[jahaims]

It is in a lot of places. You can sue for defamation.

[Flower7]

No because not all of them are caught.

[Anonymous]

Nope

[Asker]

Why not?

[fishbone77]

No..

[strateguy632]

How would you feel if people called you child seks offender?

[fishbone77]

@strateguy632 I don’t care. What do the opinions of retards matter to me?