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OPINION: Radio Host Hal Turner Arrested for Making Online Threats

By Reason Foundation , Free Minds and Free Markets - June 25, 2009

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By Jacob Sullum Yesterday the FBI arrested a white supremacist in New Jersey for threatening federal judges, based on his online response to the recent 7th Circuit decision that said the Second Amendment does not constrain state and local governments. Here is a description of the crime that Hal Turner, an Internet radio host, committed: "Let me be the first to say this plainly: These judges deserve to be killed," Mr. Turner wrote in a blog entry on June 2. "Their blood will ... Read the Full Article

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Sticky

Very touchy.

You're right tek. I would hate to be a judge on this one. I am vastly biased in favor of the Constitution, but there is precedent with regard to inciting "imminent lawless action" as pointed out in the article.
While I believe his speech was protected, sad as that is, I can see how you might say for a public figure to take the next step and post pictures, addresses, and phone numbers is crossing the line. Though I guess it's for the courts to decide whether that meets the definition of inciting "imminent lawless action."
All in all, as much as I despise his white supremacist views, I would be inclined to err in favor of free speech if I could not show the intent.

- LagerHead June 25, 2009 3:01PM

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- err in favor of free speech
  
  As difficult as it is for me to say this, I wholly agree.
  
  - tek June 25, 2009 3:12PM
  
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- there is no base.
  
  the courts decide what they want. There is no basis for truth. The people need to step up reform. people get shot everyday because they are poor. No one cares, Even though their only crime , is being poor, it is not an issue. that is outrageous. Then you have a responsible official doing illicit things. they should be killed. but you have a problem with that?
  
  - jxzac June 25, 2009 3:53PM
  
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