Date: 12-04-1998

Case Style: Pearl F. Morse, et al. v. Kevin Schwartz

Case Number: Unknown

Judge: Connor

Court: Supreme Court, Ulster County, New York

Plaintiff's Attorney: Francis E. Ferro of Francis E. Ferro, P.C., Milton, New York.

Defendant's Attorney: Laura Zeisel of New Paltz, New York.

Description: Defamation - Plaintiffs sued defendant, who was one of seventy prople who petitioned the Town of Plattekill to examine certain violations of the Town's zoning laws by businesses operating within the Town, including Plaintiffs' business. After trial by the Court, the Court found that Defendant had a First Amendment right to express his grievance before the Town Board and Government officials.

Following entry of judgment in defendant's favor, defendant moved for award of costs and fees of $5,342.26.

Outcome: Defendant's verdict plus $5,342.26 in costs and sanctions against plaintiff.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: See: 683 N.Y.S.2d 733 (Sup. 1998). Reported by dss.