U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball in Utah tossed out a lawsuit filed by Koch Industries stemming from a bogus website and fake news release issued in December that falsely announced that the Wichita-based company was changing its financial commitments on climate change to fund more environmentally friendly groups.
Koch's lawsuit had sought monetary damages as well as the identities of the pranksters.
"Before authorizing subpoenas seeking to strip speakers of their First Amendment right to anonymity, courts require plaintiffs to make a preliminary showing that their complaint has merit," the judge wrote.
Rightardia would also point out that satire is also protected by the first amendment and unless a plaintiff can show malice, they have little chance of prevailing in court.
Source: Kansas City Star
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/09/2863193/judge-rule...
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