Mcdonald V. Smith

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Christina Smith PS 280 February 14 2013 McDonald v. Smith, 472 U.S 479 (1985) Summary: In July of 1981 David Smith brought a libel suit against Robert McDonald. Smith claimed that McDonald wrote two petition letters to President Reagan, opposing Smith’s consideration for the position of United States Attorney. The letters contained false and slanderous material, Smith argued that McDonald knew the statements were false and had maliciously intended to injure his prospect of being appointed. He sought compensatory and punitive damages, Smith after the fact alleged that the letters did achieve their initial purpose, he was not appointed and his career and reputation were injured. McDonald on the grounds of the basis of diversity removed the case to Federal District Court, and argued that under the Petition Clause of the First Amendment "the right of the people . . . to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" provided him with immunity against liability. Ruling: Ultimately the court ruled in favor of Smith (8-0) and it was decided by the Federal District Court that although McDonald was within the general protection of the Petition Clause it does not grant him absolute immunity. Although the right to petition government officials is undoubtedly an important aspect in self-government, this right is still subject to the same legal limitations as the First Amendment. Therefore the claims that were made in the petition were subject to libel lawsuits. The Court of Appeals affirmed. On certiorari the US Supreme Court affirmed the judgments made by the other courts. Opinions: Chief Justice Burger delivered the opinion of the court, in which all other justices agreed. Justice Brennan joined by Marshall and Blackmun wrote a concurrence. After the case was removed on the basis of diversity, the District Court agreed with McDonald saying that his

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