getting sued for a restaurant review?

[Hungry Celeste]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/din...
Let's just hope that no attorney decides to take a case against chowhound.

[Seth Chadwick]

Although the thought of getting sued is not a happy thought for anyone, it may provide some relief to know that no restaurant has ever prevailed against a reviewer once it hits the appeals courts.

Many decades ago, the federal courts said that all restaurants and restaurant owners are considered "public figures" so in order to prevail on a charge of libel, the restaurant et. al. would have to prove malice. That is nearly impossible to do.

[amkirkland]

did you research this after your little encounter a couple months ago?

[Seth Chadwick]

Indeed. :o)

[FlavoursGal]

It is scary. I think it's time to check my personal liability insurance coverage...

[FAL]

So much for freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

[Ruth Lafler]

So-called "freedom of speech" and "freedom of the "press" apply only to acts of suppression by the government, not individuals. Moreover, it's one of the freedoms of our nation that any idiot can file a lawsuit -- that doesn't mean it's going to go anywhere.