FiftyTwo comments on Schelling fences on slippery slopes - Less Wrong

179 Post author: Yvain 16 March 2012 11:44PM

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Comment author: FiftyTwo 21 March 2012 01:39:29AM 3 points [-]

Sorry I may have been unclear, the quote means that when accused of libel a defendant can be exonerated if they prove the statement to be true, however damaging it might have been shown to be by the prosecution.

So to count as libellous a statement must be both false and have done provable damage to reputation. As such the easiest way to prove a statement is not libellous is to show it is true.

Rather than, how I think you interpreted it as meaning, that when libelled one should tell the truth in response.

Comment author: Eugine_Nier 21 March 2012 04:15:17AM 1 point [-]

Unfortunately, at least in certain jurisdictions, the burden is on you to prove that what you say is true.

Comment author: Incorrect 21 March 2012 05:13:25AM *  0 points [-]

A good burden requirement would be more qualified than either of those approaches.

I don't want to have to prove I do not spend my nights fantasizing about eating babies in the privacy of my own thoughts.

Comment author: FiftyTwo 22 March 2012 06:36:01PM 1 point [-]

"I'm not saying my fellow candidate is a terrorist, but ladies and gentlemen, has he presented any conclusive evidence that he is not?"

Comment author: TimS 22 March 2012 06:47:51PM 2 points [-]
Comment author: Eugine_Nier 23 March 2012 03:04:11AM 1 point [-]

And I would argue you should have the right to make that statement.

Comment author: wedrifid 21 March 2012 03:38:17AM 0 points [-]

Ahh, that makes sense!

Rather than, how I think you interpreted it as meaning, that when libelled one should tell the truth in response.

That's right.