"The internet never forgets!"

www.ptlaw.mb.ca; mtrachtenberg@ptlaw.mb.ca

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Say "no" to SLAPPs!"

Good Day Mr. Pieuk,

I read this post with interest due to the wife and my choice of film viewing last evening.

We watched "The People vs Larry Flint," not our usual viewing choice, however we are boomers and empty-nesters (no children around) though, I could have done without all the nudity, but I digress.

The Supreme Court decision in the case of Larry Flint is what is of note. Once libel has been dispensed with, the right to freedom of speech becomes paramount - even when it is disgusting. Now, this is an American decision, however, there is likely a similar Canadian Supreme Court Case. It would, of course, be a Charter Challenge, pursuant to Section 2(b) of said-same.

SLAPP suits are a bane to the justice system and an embarassment to the legal profession. I heartily wish you the best in the defence of the one filed against you!

On an unrelated topic, I did notice this article the other day and nearly did a spit-take with my morning coffee. Apparently, it is true the internet never forgets.

www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2011/01/13/16881881.html

While I feel for her embarassment and obvious humiliation, Madam Justice Douglas needs to face reality, as long as she remains on the bench, these will remain a hot item - she needs to resign.

As always, I remain ...

Veritas Justitias Honoris

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Dear VJH:

As always thank you very much for the informed comments.

While we're aware of The People vs Larry Flint we've never seen it so can't comment. For our readership Section 2 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines the fundamental freedoms to which everyone is entitled. Specifically 2(b) states:

"freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression including freedom of the press and other media of communication"

Regarding the lawsuit, the BITCHER & PRICKMAN cartoon from our previous posting sums up the situation beautifully. It's actions like this that contribute to the decline of law as a respected profession.

As for the Winnipeg Sun article you referenced, Lori Douglas should have done what's honourable and resigned months ago rather than waiting to be pushed. Knowing what we do about the Douglas-King-Chapman sex scandal (and we likely don't have it all), would you have confidence in the judicial system if she were hearing your case?

It seems at the point of sentencing judges like to make mention of how importent it is protect the integrity of the courts. Perhaps this is one time they should walk the talk.

The WS article is simply unclear as to whether the latest batch of photographs to appear on an American internet pornography site is again Dark Cavern.

Contempt of court? Perhaps but what jurisdiction do Canadian courts have in the United States? None one would think.

Sincerely/Clare L. Pieuk