Texas Judge Orders Identification of Topix Trolls

eldavojohn writes "Ars Technica has a story on a Texas judge who has ordered Topix.com to hand over the identifying details of 178 trolls that allegedly made 'perverted, sick, vile, inhumane accusations' about Mark & Rhonda Lesher. Mark Lesher was accused of sexually assaulting an unidentified former client (and subsequently found not guilty) which prompted the not so understanding discussions on Topix. Topix has until March 6 to give up the information. Let's hope the Leshers don't visit Slashdot!"

Comments

Re:Strange Loop Troll

[Hatta]

First, it wouldn't be slander, it would be libel. Slander is spoken. Libel is written.

I've always thought that was a silly distinction for the law to make. The words are the problem, not the medium. What difference does it make whether it was spoken or written?

And what happens if I slander someone, and someone else writes it down? Am I guilty of libel now that my statements have been committed to paper?