07-01-2003, 04:36 PM
I haven't read the case law on this (I may do that later, if I get some time) but it wouldn't surprise me at all if it was allowed by courts. There is a large gray area of parental control, and the ability to delegate that -- it comes up in other instances, such as "deprogrammers" who kidnap Moonies and such (and who, to be fair, generally claim that they are only undoing an original kidnapping or brainwashing).
One thing I have to point out though -- both you and Tai have now posted that the people running these camps deserve physical violence and/or death. BAD IDEA.
I suspect that you are doing this as hyperbole or rhetoric. It is still a VERY BAD IDEA. Let me discuss why I think it's a bad idea. First, though, a disclaimer: This discussion is intended as theoretical discussion of possible consequences of making death threats on an online bulletin board. I am NOT giving legal advice here and there is no attorney-client relationship. I may not be licensed to practice in any particular state. DO NOT TAKE THIS AS LEGAL ADVICE.
Now, why not to make death threats on bulletin boards.
First, there is the chance (very real, it seems) that someone affiliated with these camps will be killed or assaulted. In that instance, you have just put yourself on the suspect list. Congratulations.
Second, there is a chance that an impressionable, not-too-bright person will read this, and decide that vigilantism is in order, and go start breaking bones as you have suggested. This could lead to you being implicated for those crimes; it could potentially lead to Bolty being implicated.
Third, depending on local laws, you could be sued for making threats.
Fourth, you might be liable under conspiracy statutes.
And those are just the possible consequences that come to mind with 30 seconds of thinking it over. B)
And don't cry free speech to me, because there are well-known exceptions for "fighting words", and words intended to cause harm, and words intended to produce criminal acts.
So, I can sympathize with the kids who suffer in these camps. I'm not sure that they are illegal, and don't have the time right now to check (sorry, work). And I strongly recommend that no one make death threats or statements which could be read as death threats on these boards.
One thing I have to point out though -- both you and Tai have now posted that the people running these camps deserve physical violence and/or death. BAD IDEA.
I suspect that you are doing this as hyperbole or rhetoric. It is still a VERY BAD IDEA. Let me discuss why I think it's a bad idea. First, though, a disclaimer: This discussion is intended as theoretical discussion of possible consequences of making death threats on an online bulletin board. I am NOT giving legal advice here and there is no attorney-client relationship. I may not be licensed to practice in any particular state. DO NOT TAKE THIS AS LEGAL ADVICE.
Now, why not to make death threats on bulletin boards.
First, there is the chance (very real, it seems) that someone affiliated with these camps will be killed or assaulted. In that instance, you have just put yourself on the suspect list. Congratulations.
Second, there is a chance that an impressionable, not-too-bright person will read this, and decide that vigilantism is in order, and go start breaking bones as you have suggested. This could lead to you being implicated for those crimes; it could potentially lead to Bolty being implicated.
Third, depending on local laws, you could be sued for making threats.
Fourth, you might be liable under conspiracy statutes.
And those are just the possible consequences that come to mind with 30 seconds of thinking it over. B)
And don't cry free speech to me, because there are well-known exceptions for "fighting words", and words intended to cause harm, and words intended to produce criminal acts.
So, I can sympathize with the kids who suffer in these camps. I'm not sure that they are illegal, and don't have the time right now to check (sorry, work). And I strongly recommend that no one make death threats or statements which could be read as death threats on these boards.