Plaintiffs commonly assume that courts will interpret alleged defamatory words in a strict or literal sense. But such is not the case. For example, in one case, a political candidate in Orange County filed a defamation suit against his opponent for discussing the investigation and reprimand of plaintiff for sexual harassment by the state Assembly. The defendant made a number of … [Read more...] about Does Using The Term “Guilty” Connote A Crime?
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Defendants: How To Win A Defamation Case Without Filing An Anti-SLAPP Motion Or Going To Trial
As I sit here and enjoy another sunny day in Los Angeles, California, I think to myself, "man, I'm lucky." I get to litigate cases which intrigue me, and get to help people resolve their disputes without resorting to self-help (in most instances). But you're not here to listen to my idle musings. You're reading this because you want to know what's the single biggest … [Read more...] about Defendants: How To Win A Defamation Case Without Filing An Anti-SLAPP Motion Or Going To Trial
Celebrity Defamation: Part II
I was at a Kiwanis club meeting the other day and the topic of Tiger Woods came up. Someone mentioned that Tiger was in deep trouble (an obvious observation) and began to rattle off the names of each of Tiger's mistresses and then there was some generally commentary about Tiger's "transgressions." All in good taste, of course. What struck me about this conversation … [Read more...] about Celebrity Defamation: Part II
The California Anti-SLAPP Statute
This following is the text of the so-called anti-SLAPP statute: 425.16. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that there has been a disturbing increase in lawsuits brought primarily to chill the valid exercise of the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances. The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the public interest to … [Read more...] about The California Anti-SLAPP Statute
What Are The Most Common SLAPP Causes Of Action?
Defamation/Slander/Libel Business Torts, e.g. Intentional Interference With Contract; Intentional Interference With Prospective Business Advantage; and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Distress (and negligent) If you are being sued, or if you're an attorney representing a defendant and any one of the causes of action above is present, you need to consider whether … [Read more...] about What Are The Most Common SLAPP Causes Of Action?