***Update*** Defense counsel for Backpage.com execs filed a motion to dismiss the charges in this case arguing the prosecution was barred by the federal Communications Decency Act.  Section 230 of the act prohibits website operators from being held liable for content posted by third parties. The motion was set before Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman.  In his tentative ruling, Judge Bowman agreed with the defense.  Maggy Krell, an attorney with the California Attorney General’s Office, argued the criminal case sought to hold the Backpage.com execs liable for their conduct – not for other people’s speech. Regardless of how … Continue reading Backpage.com Shows the Broadness of the First Amendment