Law-Forums.org

[lazaro94]

Say we insult a person online (NOT disabled or mentally different), maybe a classmate or a teacher. Can they sue us in court? Or are we liable to any broken laws?
By 'insult', I mean words like 'idiot'. Nothing racist or controversial.
No 'concerned-citizen' answers please. Just whether it is legal or not.
Cheers!

[shen86]

hell no it is not illegal, we have the first amendment, and it has been tested. The Supreme Court along time ago, in so many words, says it is ok to do. If you are in the public spotlight you are subject TO OPINION. You can call names but can not slander. Slander meaning hurt there pocket book somehow, or left them taking Prozac. Still I do not think the depression cry would hold up; Otherwise, singers would be in jail for teenagers taking there lyrics seriously; Thus, killing themselves.

Remember this country is founded on "In God We Trust", so if someone asks you to quit with the names, have the decency to do so. Just because you can do something in this country does not mean you do not have a responsibility not to go overboard. This is your country and my country why poison it because we can. Are Constitution is so we are free from everything; with that, we have a moral obligation not to misuse it.

[elkan80]

I don't believe this is illegal unless they think it's a form of harrassment on their part.
If they find it offensive, they probably wouldn't sue if it's a teacher, they'd take it to a deputy at your school.
If it's a classmate who finds it offensive can tell a superior that you are cyber bulling.
However, no legal action should be taken.