SBA List wins dismissal of libel suit by congressman

Client(s) Susan B. Anthony List

Susan B. Anthony List, a national pro-life advocacy organization and Jones Day client, was granted summary judgment on a defamation claim brought by former Member of Congress Steve Driehaus, who challenged advertisements opposing his reelection during the 2010 congressional campaign. Before Jones Day was retained, the district court denied summary judgment and ruled that the defamation claim could go forward. After Susan B. Anthony List retained Jones Day, it filed a renewed motion for summary judgment. After briefing and oral argument, the district court reversed its earlier decision and ruled that the challenged statements were protected by the First Amendment and could not be defamatory as a matter of law.

Susan B. Anthony List v. Rep. Steve Driehaus, Case No. 10-cv-720 (S.D. Ohio)