I know the world isn't fair, but why isn't it ever unfair in my favor? - Bill Watterson, Author of Calvin & Hobbes Watterson's observation echoes many of the kinds of statements I hear weekly from potential defamation plaintiffs. After listening patiently to their side of the story, (usually several minutes), I begin describing the bad news in detail: Defamation law … [Read more...] about Is California Defamation Law Unfair?
Los Angeles
Is the anti-SLAPP Statute Being Abused?
In what will probably be one of the most significant anti-SLAPP cases of 2011, the First District in Grewal v. Jammu, expressed in no uncertain terms that the anti-SLAPP statute is being abused. Justice Richman, writing for the majority, took the opportunity to detail the particular abuses of Section 425.16, with a not so subtle plea to the Legislature to limit the application … [Read more...] about Is the anti-SLAPP Statute Being Abused?
What is the Statute of Limitations in Internet Defamation Cases?
Relying primarily on a recent California Supreme Court decision, I wrote a while back that the discovery rule does not apply to defamation cases. That is, generally, you have one year to file a lawsuit for defamation (slander/libel) from the time the statement or statements are published. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court did not address specifically whether the discovery rule … [Read more...] about What is the Statute of Limitations in Internet Defamation Cases?
Los Angeles Court Filing Fees Increase Again . . .
Access to the court system just became even more difficult for litigants whom have limited resources. In an unsurprising (yet still disappointing) move, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 857, which increases filing fees in Los Angeles County and the rest of California. Additionally, because this bill includes an urgency clause, the new fees took effect upon the … [Read more...] about Los Angeles Court Filing Fees Increase Again . . .
Calling All Defamation, Libel, and Slander Lawyers . . .
Dear respective members of the bar, If you are an avid reader of this blog, I would appreciate it if you would send me an e-mail or leave a comment below so that we can get in touch. The reason I am asking this is two-fold: (1) I would like to get to know you and see if you have any suggestions for topics I could write about on this blog; and (2) I am considering forming a … [Read more...] about Calling All Defamation, Libel, and Slander Lawyers . . .