CEI Responds to Court Ruling in Mann Case
This morning the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued a ruling in the Michael Mann defamation case that includes the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Statements from CEI’s legal team are below.
Statement from CEI General Counsel Sam Kazman:
Today’s ruling simply means this case will proceed and the Superior Court will now consider the merits of both sides’ arguments. The Competitive Enterprise Institute is a staunch defender of free speech and open, public debate, and we are confident we’ll prevail on the merits as this case goes back to Court. As a public figure with his own history of harshly attacking those who disagree with him, Michael Mann must now show that CEI’s commentary met some very stringent standards of malice. It did not, and we will continue to fight against those who seek to punish and harass groups and individuals who speak out on controversial issues.
Statement from Andrew Grossman, CEI attorney and partner at BakerHostetler:
Today’s decision throws out half of Michael Mann’s claims against the Competitive Enterprise Institute and sends the others back to the Superior Court for further consideration. We are confident that Dr. Mann’s remaining claims will ultimately fail, because they attempt to shut down speech and debate that is absolutely protected by the First Amendment. Today’s decision only draws out Dr. Mann’s years-long effort to wage “lawfare” against his opponents instead of engaging in public debate.
> Read the court ruling here.