Court rejects blogger’s claim to be a journalist

A Montana blogger accused an attorney of being a thug and a thief.

Lawyer jokes aside, the attorney didn’t find the blog post funny and sued for defamation.

The federal judge hearing the case ruled that the blogger was not a “journalist” apparently because she didn’t have journalist credentials or experience, and wasn’t affiliated with a traditional media organization. Since she isn’t a journalist, the state shield law designed to protect journalists won’t apply.

Looks like the blogger is going to be on the hook for $2.5 million.

Unless reversed on appeal, this case will have a chilling effect on bloggers.