Libel Case a Warning to Netizens

Some time ago the editor of the ITA Link newsletter, David Crewes, published a warning about publishing potentially defamatory information on the Internet. David referred in passing to legal action brought by a UK academic, Lawrence Godfrey, against a Victorian Internet Service Provider.After scouring the 'net for details, it appears to me that the man concerned has been posting deliberately inflammatory comments on public newsgroups inciting people to respond in a derogatory and defamatory manner. From my reading, when some people have injudiciously responded to Godfrey in a libelous manner, he sues.Most recently, Godfrey has taken legal action against Demon Internet in the UK for failing to remove messages that he told them were defamatory of him. One of the judgements from the High Court of Justice in the UK reads in part:"In my judgment there is material upon which the Defendants can assert that the action is not brought bona fide for purpose of vindicating the Plaintiff's reputation and recovering compensation for true injury to his reputation and feelings.Although I appreciate that the sample of the postings which I have set out is eclectic and some eighty postings are pleaded which themselves according to Mr Rushbrooke [for Godfrey] are only a small proportion of over three thousand postings made by the Plaintiff, it could well be submitted that these postings are puerile, unseemly and provocative. In effect they invite vulgar and abusive response. As Mr Barca [for Demon Internet] put it these posting are designed to tempt people to overstep the mark and defame the Plaintiff so that he can sue."I personally find Godfrey's actions loathesome, but you may be fascinated to read some of the court transcripts. Check out the links below and be careful what you say.CheersGrantAnother link to proceedings