Moore v. Hoff

UPDATE (8/21/12)

STATUS: The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the jury verdict against the publisher of "The Adventures of Johnny Northside" blog, holding that the publication of unflattering, but non-defamatory true speech, is protected by the First Amendment, regardless of the speaker's motive.

Opinion: Moore v. Huff
http://www.medialaw.org/images/medialawdaily/hoff.pdf


UPDATE (6/6/12)

STATUS:  On May 23, 2012, the Appellate Court heard argument on two issues raised by Hoff's attorney. The first is whether the verdict of tortious interference violated the First Amendment protection of free speech, “if the jury relied, even if in part on protected speech such as a true statement as evidence to support the verdict.” The second question asks whether the verdict violates the First Amendment if the evidence wasn’t specifically identified or carefully scrutinized to determine whether it was protected speech


Minn.App.: First Amendment, blogger Johnny Northside and Jerry Moore: the Saga Continues
Twin Cities Daily Planet
According to John Borger, one of the attorneys who submitted an amicus brief in the case, the appelate court seemed to ask questions pertaining to where the line is drawn between protected and unprotected speech.
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2012/06/05/first-amendment-blogger-johnny-northside-and-jerry-moore-saga-continues

Appellant's Brief:
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/sites/tcdailyplanet.net/files/Appellant%27s%20Brief.pdf

Respondent's Brief:
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/sites/tcdailyplanet.net/files/Respondent%27s%20Brief%20and%20Appendix.pdf

UPDATE ( 8/29/11)STATUS: Verdict stands against Blogger Johnny Northside.

Minn.Dist.: Verdict stands against blogger in firing at U

Star Tribune
A jury's $60,000 verdict against Minneapolis blogger John "Johnny Northside" Hoff for a posting that got a man fired will stand.http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/128638308.html

UPDATE (3/15/11)

STATUS: Moore awarded $60,000 in damages

Minn. Dist.: Blogger Johnny Northside must pay $60,000 to fired community leader

Star Tribune
Jurors said "Johnny Northside" intentionally interfered with man's job at U of M. Though blogger John (Johnny Northside) Hoff told the truth when he linked ex-community leader Jerry Moore to a high-profile mortgage fraud, the scathing blog post that got Moore fired justifies $60,000 in damages, a Hennepin County jury decided Friday. The jury awarded Moore $35,000 for lost wages and $25,000 for emotional distress.
http://www.startribune.com/local/117805398.html

STATUS: Trial commenced on March 7, 2011

Minn. Dist.: Suit against north Minneapolis blogger is going to trial

Star Tribune
Jury selection begins Monday in Hennepin County District Court in a 2009 suit by former Jordan Area Community Council executive director Jerry Moore against blogger John Hoff, known as "Johnny Northside."Moore sued Hoff, seeking at least $50,000, alleging a blog post Hoff wrote about him was untrue and got him fired from the University of Minnesota's Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center. Hoff, whose blog "The Adventures of Johnny Northside" garners 300 to 500 readers daily, said the post is true and he has documents to back it up.
http://www.startribune.com/local/117499498.html