Trial lawyers specializing in personal injury and civil litigation
Car wash owner will get hearing against principal who attempted to shutter his business
Holding that the principal's actions demonstrated apparent malice and an intent to injure, the Court of Appeals denied summary disposition to Vivian Hughes-Norde in a defamaation action brought by the owner of Chief's convenience store and car wash. The Principal published a circular to student families indicating that it was "reported" that drugs were sold at the car wash and that families should picket and "close down" this "unsavory" business. Norde argued that she was immune from liability as a government actor: the Court concluded that she was not, if she is found to have acted in bad faith.