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onenote

(42,703 posts)
13. actually she almost certainly is a "limited purpose public figure" under SCOTUS precedent
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 07:30 PM
Mar 2012

A limited purpose public figure is someone who has "thrust themselves to the forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence the resolution of the issues involved." Merely speaking out on an issue probably isn't enough. Appearing before a Congressional panel and being interviewed on television etc. -- that's considered thrusting oneself to the forefront of this controversy.

Does that mean that it would be impossible to win a judgment against Limpy? No. But it would be very hard and while I think there are good arguments, it would take a long time. There would be a lot of discovery and it would be intrusive. While I would think (and hope) there would be lawyers willing to take the case pro bono, this isn't something that would be resolved in a matter of months -- it could be years.

Not sure it makes sense -- as noted above and others have pointed out, it risks taking the focus away from the issue -- ready availability of birth control -- and makes it about such matters as how to set a price on the damage that Limpy's bile caused Ms. Fluke.

I doubt she sues. But I could be wrong.

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