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> ...the results of GitHub's independent investigation unequivocally confirm this and we are prepared to fight any further false claims on this matter to the fu
by yukichan 13y ago
> ...the results of GitHub's independent investigation unequivocally confirm this and we are prepared to fight any further false claims on this matter to the full extent of the law.
Seems like a legal threat to Horvath if she speaks up about this again.
- aaronblohowiak 13y agoSeems like a promise to defend one's public identity from attack. Burden of proof lies on the accuser, not on the accused.
- danielweber 13y agoIn science, maybe. But in American courts, if I call you a dog-fornicator, you generally have to prove to the court you aren't a dog-fornicator to get damages. (Plus a bunch of other stuff, like actual damages, unless it's per-se defamation, except if . . . . There's a lot that could be added to this, hence my "generally.")
- baddox 13y ago> in American courts, if I call you a dog-fornicator, you generally have to prove to the court you aren't a dog-fornicator to get damages. To get damages? That's another issue. In American courts, the accused would not have to prove to the court that they aren't a dog fornicator. The prosecution has to prove you the accused is guilty.
- mikeash 13y agoIf you're attempting to get damages, then you are the accuser, and naturally the burden of proof falls on you.
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- tptacek 13y agoThat's definitely the most dramatic possible interpretation, and is thus the one the Internet will fixate on. Giant crowds of uninformed bystanders can be counted on never to pick the most boring narrative.
- yukichan 13y agoWhat is a less dramatic interpretation?
- mtrimpe 13y agoIt's probably aimed more at reminding GitHub employees of the possible legal ramifications of publicly supporting the allegations and dampening further discussion in general. I don't see how that's less dramatic though, especially since the meaning of that statement is pretty obvious. Whether you interpret it as normal, like you do, or inappropriate and/or sad, like I would, is a different matter.
- sergiotapia 13y agoGood. If you make claims you should be prepared to back them up - especially when someones livelihood is on the line.
- ceejayoz 13y agoThat can mean only the people able to hire a high-end legal team can receive justice.
- ps4fanboy 13y agoWhat alternative are you suggesting?
- ceejayoz 13y agoThere isn't necessarily a solution. I'm just pointing out that underprivileged folks are often at a disadvantage. "The truth shall set you free" sometimes only applies if you can afford to fight the other side's lawyers for a few years.
- facepalm 13y agoDon't know about the US, but where I live making wrong claims that damage somebody's reputation is illegal. I think it makes lot of sense to sue people who accuse you of sexual harassment. What other recourse is there? Arguing about it will never work.
- xerophtye 13y agoUS has a law against libel too
- baddox 13y agoOr to anyone who makes further false claims. Seems like a standard line.
- antr 13y agosounds more like a fact https://github.com/blog/1823-results-of-the-github-investigation https://github.com/blog/1823-results-of-the-github-investiga... edit: re. "unequivocally confirm this and we are prepared to fight any further false claims"
- hadoukenio 13y agoWell, if Julie ever spoke up again, I would be the first up my hand and donate to her legal defence.
- yawboakye 13y agoIf she doesn't feel vindicated, sure, we'd support her lawsuit against both GitHub and P-W. Also it depends on what she says, not forgetting we interpret situations differently and with different levels of intensity. She should tread cautiously.
- facepalm 13y agoJust curious, what would be your motivation? Do you know her personally?
- hadoukenio 13y agoNo I don't know her personally but from what I've read I believe the intimidation she described. I've felt the bipolar intimidation from founders before and am completely sympathetic towards her and the situation. Nobody deserves to be that situation.