Proposed Legislation Would Outlaw "Cyberbullying" in US

physman_wiu writes "We all remember the recent incident of 13-year-old Megan Meier. Now legislation is set to be passed at least in Missouri (and possibly through Congress) that would make cyberbullying illegal. The new legislation (PDF) reads: 'Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.' Now, this seems like a great piece of legislation — until I get put in jail for some kid on WOW calling the Feds on me." Eugene Volokh is not impressed.

Comments

Re:Responsibility?

[Orion Blastar]

Sorry but Modern Liberals have outlawed responsibility and just tell parents to let their children do whatever they want, never spank them or correct them, or else be accused of child abuse and have social services take the child away.

"Yes, he gave his child a time out in the corner for 15 minutes, and all the child did was destroy his CD collection with a hammer. That child suffered serious emotional and psychological distress and had his creative urges silenced and he should be allowed to smash anything he wants with a hammer and not be punished for that. That child could be the next Andy Warhol. Take the child away and put the father in jail for 4 years on charges of child abuse."

Re:come on

[definate]

Good point, and so mock it we shall!