Democratic US Representitive Gary Condit filed for a defamation lawsuit against a weekly Arizona newspaper called Sonoran News(They feel they are the conservative voice of the state) who apparently claimed that Condit had lied to investigators about his relationship with one of his female interns that had gone missing years ago. Condit served for 13 years before losing a re-election in 2002, the same year that Chandra Levy, the intern in question, was found in Washington Park. Condit denied any involvment in Levy's disappearence. No Charges were filed. The Judge (Kristin Hoffman) reasoned her ruling by stating that condit could not prove that Sonoran's Staements of his questionable invovment were false. He also failed to prove that Sonoran News' claim was a reckless disregard fro truth. In addition, Condit balked answering questions from investigators on whether or not he had "any romantic or sexual relations with Chandra Levy", then later, he told Police that he had had an affair with Levy, but that they had no romantic relations and that they were "just friends".
To me, Condit looks like a real good suspect, and i dont think i blame Sonoran New's from questioning his involvment. Condit and his lawyer are angry with the fact that they are not recieving more protection as a public official from the media. Anyways, Sonoran New's is only demanding that Condit cover their legal fees, and I'm not sure whether or not the case of Levy's death is closed or not. I do not belive that Condit is currently being prosecuted for her Murder.
Any Thoughts?
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2 comments:
It looks pretty shady. But there doesn't appear to be enough evidence to be conclusive. My law understanding is that the standard libel/slander for public figures is high. But in my opinion the ethical standard shouldn't change for public figures.
This was news so long ago...I didn't realize that it had resurfaced. I guess during a presidential election year these kinds of things get coverage.
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