The cost of Free Speech in US

[RRidges]

At last, some common sense to counter internet infowars!
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/05/alex-jones-sandy-hook-damages-00050186
And that's on top of the $4.1M compensatory damages awarded the day before!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Let's hope it sends through a shockwave through those of a similar ilk.

 

[D-S]

A hateful man who has put already grieving parents through another hell. Should have got more punishment, but perhaps that is coming as his defence team accidentally sent his last few years phone records to the opposition lawyers. The texts and other information have already been requested by and sent to Jan 6 prosecutors.

 

[cliveb]

While I absolutely applaud that this obnoxious man has been dealt with, I do wonder what precedent is being established.

As far as I can make out, he's basically been prosecuted for telling lies that have caused great personal distress (ie. to the parents of a murdered child).
Does this mean that anyone who tells lies and in so doing causes distress could face the same consequences?
If so, how many politicians can we haul up before the beak?
If not, what was special (in legal terms) about the lies he spread that set him apart from other liars?

 

[RRidges]

It's probably something that will only be identified by subsequent proceedings.
But from what I understand, it's the widespread denial and alternative story of the horrendous truth of the incident!
The internet is a powerful tool, but can easily be misused/abused.
The denial may not have been covered much in UK, but was a pretty big thing here in USA.
Hopefully, the size of the award will deter similar/equivalent activities!

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

It's probably something that will only be identified by subsequent proceedings.
But from what I understand, it's the widespread denial and alternative story of the horrendous truth of the incident!
The internet is a powerful tool, but can easily be misused/abused.
The denial may not have been covered much in UK, but was a pretty big thing here in USA.
Hopefully, the size of the award will deter similar/equivalent activities!

The cross examination of the InfoWars producer Daria Karpova on YT (Law&Crime channel) gives a good idea of the vile rubbish and lies that Alex Jones, supported by an ex-DHS ‘expert’ Wolfgang Halbig, spouted - and how InfoWars let it happen. Alternative Truths etc

 

[Deleted member 23270]

The news in the USA is reporting that the amount he has to pay might be capped at $1.5m

 

[RRidges]

The news in the USA is reporting that the amount he has to pay might be capped at $1.5m

Indeed, I've seen something about a reduction. Texas, where trial was held - has a cap on punitive damages of 2* compensatory damages + 750K, so 8.75M. Looks like the largest share is going to go to lawyers - again.