MySpace 'Friend Request' Could Violate Protection Order

In a case of apparent first impression, a Staten Island, N.Y., judge has ruled that a MySpace "friend request" can constitute a violation of a temporary order of protection. "While it is true that the person who received the 'friend request' could simply deny the request to become 'friends,' that request was still a contact, and 'no contact' was allowed by the order of protection," Criminal Court Judge Matthew A. Sciarrino Jr. wrote in People v. Fernino, 07RI007322. "It is no different than if the defendant arranged for any agent to make known to a claimant, 'Your former friend wants to communicate with you. Are you interested?'"

MySpace 'Friend Request' Could Violate Protection Order law.com Thu, Feb 14, 2008