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Legal Defamation In a judgment of June 7, 2012, the Paris TGI decided to award €2,000 in damages, in compensation for the moral damage suffered, taking into account the fact that the article had been published on the website of Ouest France.
This case is part of a context of great tension between motorist assistance sites and lawyers who accuse them of offering legal advice. On November 18, 2011, the Criminal Court of Créteil sentenced the stoppv.com site, which proposes disputes over minutes, and its two managers for prohibited canvassing with a view to giving legal consultations, illegal exercise of the profession of lawyer and deceptive marketing practice. The decision was appealed. Other procedures are in progress.
Defamation Case: Ouest France Publishers Found Guilty:-
The publishing director of Ouest France and a journalist from the daily were found guilty of defamation for making false statements in an article published on the Internet. The article claimed that one of the volunteer organizers of the Association des victims de la route de Bretagne presented himself as a Jural advisor, which could be deemed illegal practice of the legal profession. The lack of proper investigation by the journalist further aggravated the situation.
In a judgment rendered on June 7, 2012, the Paris TGI ruled that the defendants should pay €2,000 in damages to compensate for the moral harm inflicted. The court took into account the fact that the defamatory article was published on Ouest France’s website, amplifying its reach and impact.
Tensions between Motorist Assistance Sites and Lawyers:-
This defamation case is part of a broader context of heightened tensions between motorist assistance sites and lawyers. The sites have faced accusations of offering legal advice, leading to conflicts with legal professionals. On November 18, 2011, the Criminal Court of Créteil issued a verdict against the stoppv.com site and its two managers. The charges included prohibited canvassing, illegal practice of the legal profession, and deceptive marketing practices related to providing legal consultations. The defendants appealed the decision, and other legal proceedings on similar issues are currently underway.
These incidents shed light on the ongoing challenges and conflicts arising from the intersection of online platforms providing legal information and assistance, and the established legal profession. The cases highlight the importance of accurate reporting and responsible journalism to avoid defamatory statements that can harm the reputation and standing of individuals and organizations.
