There appears to be a frontal assault on Church practices occasioned (perhaps) by recent scandals and the post-9/11 world that we live in, among other reasons. The court of appeal made the correct decision in applying the "ministerial exception" and declining to inquire into the truth or falsity of religious beliefs. … [Read more...] about Gunn v. Mariners Church, Inc. – Follow-up Post
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Gunn v. Mariners Church, Inc. – Recent decision on the “Ministerial Exception”
In Gunn v. Mariners Church, Inc., __ Cal.App.4th __ (Sept. 2, 2008), the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the trial court, which had granted defendant's summary judgment motion. Plaintiff and Appellant Gunn, sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Gunn alleged that after the defendant terminated Gunn because he was … [Read more...] about Gunn v. Mariners Church, Inc. – Recent decision on the “Ministerial Exception”
Finally! Liability Insurance for Bloggers
It's a well-known fact among lawyers that most insurance policies don't cover defamation, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement claims. It's also true that legal threats against bloggers have escalated dramatically in recent years. So what's a blogger to do? Give up? Never! The Media Bloggers Association has launched an education, legal advisory, and liability … [Read more...] about Finally! Liability Insurance for Bloggers
“Cache” is King in On-line Defamation Cases
I posted yesterday about Steven Tyler's lawsuit against anonymous bloggers. You can read that post here. I thought about the case some more and a particular thought jumped out at me. According to the complaint, Tyler's attorney sent a letter to Google asking them to remove the blogs, which Google did. The complaint goes on, "[a]pparently defiant and intent on infringing … [Read more...] about “Cache” is King in On-line Defamation Cases
Aerosmith Lead Singer’s “Cryin'” over Bloggers’ posts
Steven Tyler, of the world-renowned rock band Aerosmith, has sued anonymous bloggers for: (1) public disclosure of private facts; (2) false light; and (3) misappropriation of likeness. Tyler alleges that the defendants impersonated him and his girlfriend in various posts to their blogs on Google's free blogging platform, Blogspot. This lawsuit is interesting because Tyler … [Read more...] about Aerosmith Lead Singer’s “Cryin'” over Bloggers’ posts