Thursday, January 10, 2013

The "Johnny Northside" Moore v. Hoff blogging free speech case in Minnesota decided in August 2012, published as precedent.

It now can be formally cited,

Moore v. Hoff, 821 N.W.2d 591 (Minn.App. 2012)

Leagle has it online, with official page breaks given in case any reader needs to cite or quote specific parts; this link.

Again, what the case means is that nobody who makes himself a public figure (e.g., one publishing a newspaper) can prevail on tortious interference with contract prospects if someone on a blog publishes true statements. The trial court was reversed, in holding that even if there was no defamation because no false statement of fact was proven, a jury finding of tortious interference could survive on such a factual situation.

It is a sound decision, by a unanimous Court of Appeals panel, without certiorari review. Official publishing means it can be cited as binding precedent.