Gutnick Can Pursue Dow-Jones Libel Case

Anonymous Coward writes "Libel cases based on Internet material could be mounted anywhere in the world, after a landmark judgment handed down by the Australian High Court today. International news service Dow Jones failed in its bid to have a defamation action brought by mining magnate Joseph Gutnick heard in the United States."

Comments

New way from Americans to avoid the death penalty

[m.lemur]

I suppose....

Get your case heard in a non executing country.

Obligatory - Let the booting begin!

[SoCalChris]

I'm surprised no one has refrenced this yet... http://www.snpp.com/episodes/2F13.html Andy: Hear ye, hear ye. This session will now come to order. With the cooperation of the US Department of State, we have present today one Bart Simpson.

[everyone mutters amongst themselves]

I believe he has something to say. Bart?

Bart: [goes to microphone, scratches, clears throat several times]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I did to your country.

[everyone applauds]

Andy: [jovial] Well, you're free to go, Bart...right after your additional punishment.

Homer: Punishment?

Andy: Well, a mere apology would be a bit empty, eh? Let the booting begin.

Homer: Booting?

Andy: Aw, it's just a little kick in the bum.

[a man with a gigantic boot walks in]

Bart: Y'uh oh.

Re:What it means

[siliconbunny]

:)

Don't forget -- lawyers charge by the word!

That will be $38, thanks. :)

Reversi

[limekiller4]

From the article:
"The landmark judgment means material published on the internet is deemed to have been published in the place it is viewed online, not the country of origin."

I don't know what the legal system is like in Australia but in the states you can generally sue anyone for anything you damn well like, regardless of its merits.

While I doubt our courts will act in a reciprocal manner just to make a point, the tacit argument the Australian government is making is that they can apply our laws to American entities. If this is taken to its logical conclusion, and Americans are allowed to apply American legal standards to Australians, this might forever be known as the Pandora's Box Judgement.