« Peruta after action appraisal | Main | Challenging the traditional view of Ex Parte Merryman »
Judge who awarded atty fees to Lucky Gunner explains his ruling
Right here. And the order itself is online here.
"It is apparent that this case was filed to pursue the political purposes of the Brady Center and, give the failure to present any cognizable legal claim, bringing these defendants into the Colorado court where the prosecution of James Holmes was proceeding appears to be more of an opportunity to propagandize the public and stigmatize the defendants than to obtain a court order which counsel should have known would be outside the authority of this court."
UPDATE: Lucky Gunner has announced that it will donate the entire of its fee award to a group that defends the Second Amendment. Which group it is will be settled by an online vote -- you can cast yours here.
5 Comments | Leave a comment
The judge's explanation makes it clear that he regarded the Brady Campaign as responsible for bringing the suit. Does this mean that they, and not the survivors who they roped into this, will have to pay? And is there any way to compel payment? I'm thinking of Al Sharpton and the Tawanna Brawley judgement.
The plaintiffs took jobs with the Brady Campaign after the shooting and are currently employed there, so not only was the Brady Campaign supporting the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were their employees.
The Brady's are supposed to be close to being on their last legs financially. If they cannot pay and a judgement is filed it could be possible to claim value in their name, mailing lists, and other organizational assets. Seize The Brady Center (what a hashtag that would make! :) ) and repurpose it as a 2A advocate.
stay safe.
I wouldn't suggest giving money to the Second Amendment Foundation. One of Gottlieb's "deals" gave Washington State mandatory background checks (including private sales).
The Second Amendment Foundation will get the most accomplished with the money.