Free Speech v. Right to Reputation

johnnyskeleton

Do you think that the right to Free Speech is more, or less important than the right to reputation?

Rhonda9000

Reputation

Purely from a numerical perspective, free speech benefits the masses, reputation less so.

Tom Young

Depends on whether what is said is funny or not

I believe the imputed unchastity of a woman remains an offence on the statute books. A number of examples might lead us to a situation where people could split hairs claiming that 'she was an auld slapper' or 'gets around a bit'.

Versus this type of pure rubbish:

Procasinator

Tom Young wrote: »

I believe the imputed unchastity of a woman remains an offence on the statute books.

Funny you mentioned this as I was just reading "Defamation Act, 1961" and section 16 says:

Defamation Act, 1961 - Section 16 wrote:

Words spoken and published which impute unchastity or adultery to any woman or girl shall not require special damage to render them actionable.

I was thinking of starting a thread here about silly laws and oddities within Ireland. Think I will do now.

Tom Young

Depends on whether what is said is funny or not

Yes, and my teddy is called Mahammad, so get over it!