Defamation, Constitutional Law, Employment Litigation
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Case Details
The Minnesota Supreme Court issued a favorable decision for FMJ client, Nathan McGuire. The Court held that a high school basketball coach is not a “public figure” under the First Amendment, and, therefore, could bring a defamation lawsuit against parents who had defamed him. The decision reinstated McGuire’s defamation lawsuits against one of the parents. Ultimately, the team secured a settlement in favor of the coach.
Additional Notes
The 16-page unanimous decision was written by Justice Natalie Hudson and is the first time the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled on this issue. Five other states have decided the issue and four of the five have agreed that public high school coaches are not public officials. The decision reinstated McGuire’s defamation lawsuits against one of the parents. Secured a settlement in favor of the coach.