New Jersey blogger defamation suit dismissed

A blogging-based libel suit brought by the director of the Office of Public Information of Union County, New Jersey against a Union County watchdog group was dismissed last week by a Superior Court Judge, reports Leslie Murray of the Cranford Chronicle.

In April 2006 Cranford resident Tina Renna posted a blog titled, "County Hacks are Soulless Psychopaths" and questioned Union County Director of Public Information Sebastian D'Elia. In November 2006, D'Elia brought suit for libel against Renna and Patricia Quattrocchi.

After hearing oral arguments from both sides on a motion to dismiss, Superior Court Judge Marianne Espinosa in Elizabeth dismissed the suit, saying D'Elia was a public figure (and hence required to meet a heightened standard to sustain a defamation claim) and could not prove he was damaged by the blog post.

"This is a great victory for the First Amendment and the citizens of Union County," Renna said. "Pat and I will continue to shine a light on the inner-workings of county government and make sure it is exposed for what it is."

-- Andie Schwartz