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March 17, 2014 · 2:25 pm

Fred Phelps: the Initiated view

The Admiral knows best

News of Fred Phelps imminent passing has produced a strangely consistent reaction in the world outside the Westboro Baptist Church. Much of it is seriously unwise – for the following reason:

Dead men serve no libel writs.But dying men can.

And what’s more, if he begins a libel action before he dies, his estate can carry it on afterwards.

That’s right: everyone who has thought fit to crow about this man’s predicament before he’s actually gone has potentially opened themselves up to a law suit. And this includes every website which has allowed libellous comments on articles reporting the situation.

So be sensible. Don’t give Fred Phelps the last laugh. Keep shtum.