This is For Real.

Did Connecticut Cross the Line?

In this episode of The Unknown, hosts Michael Volpe and Richard Luthman dissect the recent conviction of Connecticut blogger Paul Boyne for cyberstalking, focusing on the legal distinction between protected speech and "true threats" under the First Amendment. They argue that Boyne's blog posts, which included hyperbolic calls for violence against judges and publicly available personal details, may not meet the statutory definition of a true threat, highlighting flaws in the prosecution’s reliance on the cyberstalking statute. The discussion also critiques the overly complex jury instructions and procedural mishandlings that likely contributed to the conviction, suggesting the verdict may be overturned on appeal. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of preserving open discourse while navigating the limits of incitement and threat law.