Hmm. I'm torn. I hate lying and I hate people who lie. I would wager to say that it could quite closely fall into the area of being something like "perjury against the public." I don't really like to hear misleading news and something like this might actually hold reporters accountable for spreading any information which they aren't sure of or don't have reason to believe is true. Gossip is bad for any community, but let it thrive on a large scale basis and you end up with major problems and even mass hysteria.
On the other hand, it is true that people have the right to choose to do something wrong. They have the right to lie, they have the right to steal, etc. But if we're going to equate stealing and other wrong doings to that of lying, than logically, lying to the public should be penalized. We need laws to keep the peace, but when is it going just a little too far?
This one is definitely a toughie for me, if it in fact turns out to not be an urban legend in and of itself.
(no subject)
On the other hand, it is true that people have the right to choose to do something wrong. They have the right to lie, they have the right to steal, etc. But if we're going to equate stealing and other wrong doings to that of lying, than logically, lying to the public should be penalized. We need laws to keep the peace, but when is it going just a little too far?
This one is definitely a toughie for me, if it in fact turns out to not be an urban legend in and of itself.