"The Nuremburg Files"

Case Type:		Actual
Exigence:		The "Nuremburg Files" website maintains a list of doctors alleged to be performing abortions, with those "wounded" greyed out and "fatalities" marked with a strike through. For several of the people listed, the site also includes photographs, home and work addresses, phone numbers, and other information. Planned Parenthood and several of the listed doctors have filed a multi-million dollar suit against the author, claiming that the site incites violence and is unlawful under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994.
Audience:		The trial court; you, the general public.
Possible Constraints:		According to the site, "The evidence we collect will be forwarded to several secure locations so that pro-abortion forces will not be able to destroy the evidence and prevent its future use. In addition, we will share copies of the pertinent information with local or national pro-life organizations which may need it in their work. Some of the information, for instance, may be very useful in a present day trial if the abortionist is being sued or charged with another crime. Other information may be useful in revealing to neighbors and colleagues of the abortionist by way of exposing the horrible crimes the people are committing." The Act makes liable for civil and criminal penalities whoever by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person because that person is or has been, or in order to intimidate such person or any other person or any class of persons from, obtaining or providing reproductive health services. For more information on related laws, see the comprehensive but slow-loading Abortion Law Homepage. For news coverage: the Freedom Forum website has a comprehensive review of the dispute, and the Seattle Times has a good article on some of the effects of the recent murder of Dr. Slepian, at Tension rises for abortion doctors.
Decision:		The case is scheduled for trial in January, 1998.
Related issues:		Harm to society Harm to individuals Internet
Notes:		None.

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Copyright © 1998 Jean Goodwin. All rights reserved.
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Last updated 16 January 1999
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