Speaking of dockets ... Regular readers may remember the writers of this blog were the subject of a law suit threatened a year ago and actually filed last May.
Considered a classic SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), the ACLU stepped in to provide a defense linked to freedom of speech.
After a July 31, 2008 hearing, a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge sustained the demurrers due to insufficient proof supporting the complaint. Because of that, addressing Constitutional protection was unnecessary and the plaintiff had 21 days to amend the original complaint.
An appeal was instead filed with the Virginia Supreme Court on January 26. A writ panel via teleconference occurred April 1st. The plaintiff's attorney had not amended the original complaint stating there wasn't more to offer, speaking at length about damages relative to reputation -- something we are personally familiar with because of this case. Although no evidence was previously documented or submitted to either court, the attorney indicated to the Justices he had proof of specific losses.
An order, either granting or denying the appeal, is expected from the Justices within three weeks.