Politicians Free to Lie In Washington State
Get ready for the inevitable barrage of jokes on late-night television: The Washington state Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that a law holding politicians legally accountable for lying about their opponents is unconstitutional.
Get ready for the inevitable barrage of jokes on late-night television: The Washington state Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that a law holding politicians legally accountable for lying about their opponents is unconstitutional.
Los Angeles Times:
Justices in the majority of the 5-4 decision said the 1999 law, already rejected by a lower court, violates free-speech rights.
“The notion that the government, rather than the people, may be the final arbiter of truth in political debate is fundamentally at odds with the 1st Amendment,” Justice James Johnson wrote.
Dissenting justices called the decision “an invitation to lie with impunity.”
(registration wall)
AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.
Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.
Editorial Cartoons
Media
The Trump administration is requiring a loyalty pledge from Pentagon reporters or they'll have their credentials revoked.
Editorial Cartoons
Editorial Cartoons
Editorial Cartoons
Media
The popular, outspoken American streamer talks about how he endured two hours of questioning regarding his opinions on Israel and Trump.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.