The "we don't discuss things before the courts" thing

It'd be good to get clarity as to whether 'before the courts' in the terms was meant to apply to all of these.

A. Case before the courts in Ireland

B. Case under appeal in Ireland so has already had ample details published in media

C. Case in the UK / in UK under appeal

D. Case in rest of world eg US

It would allow valid criticism of the accused by people sympathetic to the victim.

If the accused pleads guilty then it certainly wouldn't be an issue.

The problem with closing comments means that the accused is automatically protected.

The Journal have never allowed comments on the Ana Kriegel case. Even after the trial concluded. So no criticism of the accused has ever been permitted. That's not right.

I'm guessing it's a risk of naming those who did it and it would pose legal issues. Also might simply be out of respect to her family and family's of victims. Families don't necessarily want their trauma to get a comments section on news sites.

You're perfectly free to start a thread on the Kriegel case so I'm not sure what relevance this has to the thread.

The OP asked for examples of other forums where comments are turned off - that's the relevance.

In fairness, you seemed to be getting annoyed by another site having a policy in relation to allowing comments. I just checked by the way, the journal don't allow comments on plenty of concluded cases. Eg Nikita Hand case doesn't have comments a allowed. I wouldn't say that's with the intent of protecting McGregor, would you?

I think you're attributing ill intent when there isn't necessarily one.

Anyway, I'm still unclear on the negative impact of you being unable to discuss a case until it's concluded in the courts.

As well as armchair detectives Boards.ie would have a plethora of armchair solicitors and amateur barristers.

Be careful what you wish for.

BBoards Is a small discussion forum in a small country so.i can see how they'd be too afraid of negative posts that while they might not affect a trusts outcome, might result in boards being sued. Hardly money in the coffers to exist never mind pay litigation costs.