Logical Fallacies

GeekPress has an entertaining refresher course on the common Logical Fallacies that always seem to creep into otherwise interesting debates. One thing I'd like to note is that the slippery slope logical fallacy is actually a valid argument in some instances - particularly in cases regarding legal matters.

Due to the impact of legal precedent, case decisions may have an important or decisive role in any or all future cases that are demonstrably similiar if not identical. In this way, it is logically sound to argue a "slippery slope" can begin when a legal decision is made. For example, if judge Y rules that action A is constitutionally protected, judge X may be required to rule that action B is also constitutionally protected if it is demonstrably similiar to action A.

This is one reason why I despise the suppression of speech in any form, even when the content of that speech is vile or dangerous. If the government can label something as "too dangerous to say," there is effectively no barrier to prevent them from labeling perfectly safe and logical speech that happens to go against their interest in this manner.