Who Is Liable for On-Line Libel?

Authors

Richard P. Hermann II

First Page

423

Document Type

Comment

Abstract

This Comment examines the precedent-setting decision of Stratton, and explores the question of legal liability for users and operators in the new, narrowly defined, on-line environment. More importantly, this Comment points out how traditional tort principles transcend the boundaries of the physical world and find their application in the intangible on-line environment. Part II of this Comment outlines the basic requirements necessary to understand this ethereal environment in the macro context of cyberspace and the micro context of computer bulletin boards. Part III provides an explanation of Stratton. Part IV analyzes the Stratton opinion, demonstrating how traditional legal maxims are applied to the evolving medium of computer bulletin boards. Part V concludes that this new environment, for purposes of legal liability, is really not so new after all.

Recommended Citation

Richard P. Hermann II, Who Is Liable for On-Line Libel?, 8 St. Thomas L. Rev. 423 (1996).
Available at: https://scholarship.stu.edu/stlr/vol8/iss2/6