In a legal battle that has been ongoing for years, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s defamation lawsuit against The New York Times has taken another turn. The federal appeals court recently overturned the dismissal of the lawsuit for the second time and ordered a new trial in the case. This decision comes after a series of back and forth rulings regarding whether Palin was defamed by a 2017 editorial published by The New York Times.
Palin, who was the Republican nominee for vice president in 2008, alleges that she was defamed by a Times editorial that suggested the 2011 shooting of then-Rep. Gabby Giffords was linked to a digital graphic published by Palin’s political action committee the prior year. Despite the Times’ arguments that there was no actual malice against Palin in their editorial, the appeals court has deemed otherwise.
The 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found that Manhattan federal Judge Jed Rakoff erred in dismissing the lawsuit after a jury had already begun deliberations at a trial in February 2022. The appeals court stated that Rakoff’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit “improperly intruded on the province of the jury by making credibility determinations.” This ruling highlights the importance of the jury’s role in the legal system and the need to protect its constitutional role.
The appeals panel also pointed out “several major issues at trial,” including the erroneous exclusion of evidence, inaccurate jury instructions, and jurors learning of Rakoff’s dismissal of the complaint during deliberations. These issues led the appeals court to vacate the previous ruling and remand for new proceedings, including a new trial. This decision underscores the need for fair legal proceedings and ensuring that all parties have a fair chance to present their case.
Following the appeals court’s decision, a spokesman for The New York Times expressed disappointment but remained confident in prevailing in a retrial. On the other hand, Palin’s attorney welcomed the ruling as a significant step in holding publishers accountable for misleading content. Governor Palin herself is looking forward to presenting her case to a jury that is provided with relevant evidence and properly instructed on the law, as outlined by the appeals court.
Overall, the legal battle between Sarah Palin and The New York Times continues to unfold, with each ruling shaping the course of the case. The appeals court’s decision to order a new trial emphasizes the importance of fair legal proceedings and protecting the role of the jury in resolving disputes. As the case moves forward, both parties remain committed to presenting their arguments and seeking a just resolution to the defamation lawsuit.
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