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.
