September 24, 2003
Court blocks anti-telemarketing bill.
Reuters
reports that, at the last minute, a federal court has blocked enforcement of the anti-telemarketing bill, which would have allowed people to stop unsolicited calls to them.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal court has blocked the national "do not call" list that would have allowed consumers to stop most unwanted telephone sales, one week before the much-anticipated measure was due to take effect.
The U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City said the Federal Trade Commission overstepped its authority when it set up the popular anti-telemarketing measure, according to a court decision filed late on Tuesday.
I wonder if the (corporate-controlled) courts will also block recent legislation banning spam under some dubious free-speech provision. I think they might have to since the same principles applying to spam would also seem to apply to traditional junk mail, and in fact, all advertising in public spaces.
