- Dec 4, 2009
- 14,108
- 19,303
- Moderator
- #76
Having unfortunately recently had to talk to a lawyer I can give you a little background on the process. First, anyone can sue anyone for anything. If you are willing to pay you can get a suit brought up. However many lawyers won't touch if it the case has no chance (unless you pay gobs of money anyway) and the judge can throw it out if he feels it has no basis. But, let's say there is a modicum of chance you could win the case and a lawyer and judge allow it to proceed. What is the charge? Is it slander? The prosecution would have to show that what was said negatively affected the business. The prosecution would also have to show what was said was not true. The truth is a defense. So, yes someone could take you to court for something that is not true, but it doesn't mean they will win. It might just mean its a huge pain in the butt and take months. If someone is willing to pay then can definitely take your life away for a little bit. At the end you can counter sue and get your money back, but it is also more court time.
Probably the saving grace though (and the part that really turns people away from suing everyone besides the amount of time and money spent) is the exploratory phase. Imagine someone asking in court, while you are under oath, the most embarrassing questions of your life and you have to answer truthfully or you perjure yourself. And it is on public record. I don't judge people with skeletons in their closet, but I am lucky to have lead a boring life in this regard.
Anyways, I think people throw around the sue / court thing a lot to intimidate, but in general it isn't an option I think many would truly explore.
Probably the saving grace though (and the part that really turns people away from suing everyone besides the amount of time and money spent) is the exploratory phase. Imagine someone asking in court, while you are under oath, the most embarrassing questions of your life and you have to answer truthfully or you perjure yourself. And it is on public record. I don't judge people with skeletons in their closet, but I am lucky to have lead a boring life in this regard.
Anyways, I think people throw around the sue / court thing a lot to intimidate, but in general it isn't an option I think many would truly explore.