Libel is an issue to has come to the fore for blogs. The medium is accessible to millions of readers and can have huge power in forming and swaying opinions. Any remark that lowers a person's reputation in the eyes of right-minded members of society can be devastating if untrue.

Commenting on ongoing court cases can also have a serious impact on the perception of justice. If a newspaper says that a defendant is guilty and should get 10 years behind bars while the case is still being heard, it can look very suspicious if the judge hands down a 10-year sentence. The perception could be formed that the judge was somehow influenced by the newspaper.

It is therefore something that bloggers need to be wary of. One particular post in a prominent Irish blog this week in my view would be found to be in contempt of court if spotted by the judge. The post remains online despite my attempt to persuade this person to remove it.

Published by Colm.