Judge Douglas Lavine

After nearly a decade of Connecticut officials hunting for a speech crime, prosecutors have now charged a blogger with “true threats” based on eight online posts — but they refuse to say which words crossed the line. The case, led by Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin and Judge Peter Brown, raises a chilling question: can the government criminalize political commentary it doesn’t like?
Critics say it’s the latest episode in Connecticut’s long campaign to silence dissent under the guise of “hate speech.” Supporters call it accountability. Either way, the state’s handling of the so-called Hateful Eight may redefine free expression in America’s courts.