[Subject] -- Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

Chilling Effects Clearinghouse > Protest, Parody and Criticism Sites > Notices > [Subject] (NoticeID 239, http://chillingeffects.org/N/239)

March 29, 2002

Sender Information:
[Private]
Sent by: [Private]
Foley, Hoag & Elliot.
Boston, MA, 02109

Recipient Information:
William Silverstein
[Private]

Sent via: Fedex and mail
Re:

The original was a notice. Then, when I filed suit, they countersued for libel. After they paid a a judgment in my favor, they continued with a libel claim. They offered to drop the claim, only if I would take down the site and not speak about it.

At a summary judgment motion, they moved to dismiss when the judge asked them what was libelous.

The case is detailed at http://www.sorehands.com/mattel

They of course threatened sanctions, unless I would drop my case and put up an apology for a year.

FAQ: Questions and Answers

[back to notice text]

Question: What is the difference between libel and slander?
Answer: Libel is a defamatory statement expressed in a fixed medium such as a writing, picture, sign or electronic broadcast. Slander is a defamatory statement expressed in a transitory form such as speech.

[back to notice text]

Question: What is libel?
Answer: Libel is a defamatory statement expressed in a fixed medium, usually writing but also a picture, sign, or electronic broadcast. See What is the legal definition of defamation?

[back to notice text]

Question: What is a summary judgment?
Answer: A procedure that permits a judgment to be granted to all or part of a case if there is no real dispute in the evidence that would require a trial to determine the facts. The judgment is often prompt and direct.

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