The Washington state Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot stop political candidates from lying in campaign ads. The court ruled five-to-four that a state law aimed at punishing political candidates for false advertising violates free speech rights.
"There can be no doubt that false personal attacks are too common in political campaigns, with wide-ranging detrimental consequences ... However, government censorship ... is not a constitutionally permitted remedy."
But Justice Barbara Madsen called the ruling ? "An invitation to lie with impunity." And she added ? "It is little wonder that so many view political campaigns with distrust and cynicism."
"There can be no doubt that false personal attacks are too common in political campaigns, with wide-ranging detrimental consequences ... However, government censorship ... is not a constitutionally permitted remedy."
But Justice Barbara Madsen called the ruling ? "An invitation to lie with impunity." And she added ? "It is little wonder that so many view political campaigns with distrust and cynicism."
