« Law - Marshall, Illinois adult bookstore must move or change stock | Main | Ind. Decisions - Court of Appeals issues one today »
Friday, February 24, 2006
Ind. Decisions - Judge to decide next month whether to dismiss suit against Tribune-Star
The Terre Haute Tribune Star reports today, in a story by Joanne Hammer, on a suit pending against the paper:
A Sullivan judge will decide next month whether or not to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against the Tribune-Star.The lawsuit filed in 2004 by Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Maynard alleged the Tribune-Star published stories in March and April that were false, and with malicious intent. * * *
During Thursday’s hearing, attorneys for the Tribune-Star and Maynard argued their case before Judge P.J. Pierson about whether to dismiss the case based on anti-SLAPP legislation.
The Tribune-Star filed the motion to dismiss last year based on the 1988 state law that stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. The newspaper argued that the articles were published in its right of free speech and press in connection with a public issue. * * *
Both sides will have seven days to submit cases to Pierson before he rules on the motion to dismiss. If the complaint is dismissed, the anti-SLAPP law will allow the Tribune-Star to recover reasonable costs and court fees.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 24, 2006 09:34 AM
Posted to Ind. Trial Ct. Decisions