In Australia, a restaurant critic produced a “scathing review” of Coco Roco, a fine dining establishment on the harbor. The owners of the restaurant sued for defamatory remarks. A jury found the critic innocent, so the restaurant owners appealed the decision. The High Court of judges ruled in favor of the Coco Roco recently, stating that the comments about “unpalatable and overpriced food” were explicity defamatory.

Hmm… That’s one way to combat criticism. It’s also a good way to show how your government is corrupt and on the take. No way does this happen in the U.S. One blogger asks how this will affect everyone’s next blog post. Will it prevent you from stating your opinion because you can be taken to court and thrashed soundly?

Well, I see no reason in the United States for this to be a concern despite all the problems with our judicial system. God help Australia, though. I would hate to be in their shoes right now.

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