Overview
Parsons Behle & Latimer is proud to announce a significant win for our clients in the Utah Supreme Court. In Mathews v. McCown, the Court issued a landmark decision reversing the dismissal of our clients’ defamation claims. The case arose out of a local Tooele County dispute, where community members clashed over development and the creation of the town of Erda. During this dispute, our clients were accused on social media of fraud and misconduct.
The trial court initially dismissed their claims, reasoning that the online statements were simply political mudslinging. But in a 50+ page opinion, the Utah Supreme Court disagreed, recognizing that defamatory statements made on social media can and do have real consequences.
This ruling not only allows our clients’ case to proceed but also expands and modernizes Utah defamation law to address today’s digital age. Our clients welcome the Court’s decision and hope it will foster more constructive and civil public dialogue.
The Parsons litigation team of Michael Judd and Timothy C. Houpt, were honored to represent the plaintiffs in this precedent-setting case.
- Timothy C. Houpt – Litigation Attorney, retired, Parsons Behle & Latimer
- C. Michael Judd – Litigation Attorney, Parsons Behle & Latimer
Team
