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IANAL, but I have been advised by lawyers in highly similar situations. Publicly accusing someone of either criminal fraud and/or academic fraud is serious business, and it is certainly something that could get you prosecuted for criminal libel, as the accusation will likely have the effect of seriously damaging the accused's reputation. You would basically have to prove in court that your accusations were in fact true. On Aug 17, 2007, at 4:08 PM, James Stroud wrote: > It seems that a public discussion with points and counterpoints > presented openly and fairly is in complete adherence to the ideals > of due process. Since this discussion is not deciding the criminal > fate of any individual, it does not seem necessary to defer it to > any political government. Also, were any criminal charges ever > brought forth, one might think an innocent defendent would > appreciate the benefit of the world's experts pondering the facts > in an open forum. > > James > > > William Scott wrote: >> But I agree, it is important to keep in mind that the proper venue >> for determining guilt or innocence in the case of fraud is the >> court system. >> Until fairly recently, the idea of presumed innocence and the >> right to cross-examine accusers and witnesses has been considered >> fundamental to civil society. >> The case certainly sounds compelling, but this is all the more >> reason to adhere to these ideals. > > > > -- > James Stroud > UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics > Box 951570 > Los Angeles, CA 90095 > > http://www.jamesstroud.com/