[NTLK] ebay and consumer protection

From: eric engle (engleerica_at_yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Mar 01 2003 - 20:49:01 PST


Well, since someone on ebay told someone on this list
to hush-up-or-else I think it is sensible to point out
some facts:

If it is true it is not libel or slander. In other
words, if you call someone a lying thief, and its
true, its no crime (or tort, i.e. it is not a
punishable act).

Opinions are also not libel or slander. If you say "I
think Mortimer Snod is a scoundrel - but that's just
my opinion" - sorry, it's NOT libelous.
This second point may not be true in civil law
countries such as France and Germany. But the first
point basically is. If you bought shoddy merchandise,
please, tell the whole world!

On the other hand, if you sell shoddy merchandise, and
then get bitten in the hindquarters, well, what a
surprise!

So: if you say that the Schlockmeister is a
Schlockmeister and it is not true, and Mrs.
Schlockmeister is a professional merchant, well, then
actually you would be in trouble. Note the
subjunctive. From what little I have head I think the
Schlock's are in town, lurking on the list. But that's
just my opinion.

standard disclaimer: I'm not your lawyer. This is just
my opinion.

=====
Assassination, torture, secret trials, indefinite arrest without warrant or notice to one's family, restrictions of the right to counsel, military tribunals and restrictions of the press in the name of "national security" are the hallmarks of dictatorship.

http://www.lexnet.bravepages.com/ind.htm (law)
http://www.geocities.com/newtontechspecs (Newton! TMKF!)

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