LOL! to this comment:
...there's thousands of f-----up people out there AND THE WTS IS TO BLAME. if the courts want proof, then they can subpeona this whole freakin' message board.
I think the MAIN point Viv was trying to make is that her daddy stuck up for her, which is a BIG THING, especially if you've had a dad (and mom for that matter) who have no idea what the concept is. Cheers to your dad!
As far as suing, the celebs sue all the time for libel and slander, etc., AND THEY WIN, too.
It's true, though, who heard the elder say it? Only you? If he said it to other JWs, would THEY testify in court? I guess they could be subpoenaed and then they would have NO choice about it. You have a lot more leeway in civil suits rather than criminal actions, btw. Anybody can sue for anything as the Plaintiff. Then the BURDEN is not on you, but on the Defendant (whom you are suing) to PROVE they DIDN'T do it. That's the beauty of civil lawsuits.
Calling someone a slut, I wouldn't think, would come under the realm of spiritual/religious laws, as quoted above by Will. Besides, that case law is from 1871. Hasn't anything been decided in court since then?
(PS to Will: You are correct in your OT questioning, i.e., WTS has no business making inhouse decisions re: CRIMINAL matters.)
I'm with whoever said to get your/Viv's dad's attorney to, at the very least, WRITE the elder A SCARY letter on his fancy Attorney-At-Law Letterhead including the phrase: "I DEMAND that you CEASE and DESIST from slandering my client's reputation IMMEDIATELY..." (Go after the ELDER's assets first. Think the WTS is gonna back him up? DOUBT IT!!!) You don't even have to sue at first. Just have the attorney send the letter to the individual elder demanding compensation FROM HIM PERSONALLY for emotional anguish AND a written apology!
My former boss (attorney) used to send letters using that phrase all the time ("CEASE & DESIST"). Nothing like a great threatening letter on attorney letterhead to make people sweat and squirm, as has been stated, even if you never get a cent from it. They do serve a purpose on this planet = what are "sharks" for if not to scare the beegeebers outta people?
Grits
PS: Grunt and Grits should join the Seven Dwarfs along with Sleepy and Stinky. ;)
Edited by - Grits on 30 July 2002 0:46:42