Question about dismissal of Libby-Plame lawsuit.

[Eric J in MN]

Is there a specific statute giving public officials immunity from being sued for illegal acts committed during their official duties?

[liberalnurse]

1. I am devastated!

I sure hope someone explains all this to us...ME! :cry:

[Eric J in MN]

3. I know that it isn't a first. Republican Rep. Bill Janklow killed a man, and got immunity...

...from lawsuits on the theory that he was driving from a fundraiser when he ran a Stop Sign and killed a motorcyclist, and therefore this was part of his official duties.

I don't know if this immunity is based on a federal statute or what.

[liberalnurse]

6. Can they just file it again?

What about that....Maybe a different judge will get the case?

[Eric J in MN]

7. Regarding the Libby case, Plame is going to appeal. NT

NT

[liberalnurse]

8. That should give some

satisfaction......A thorn in their side with a stone in their shoe is okay with me.....or maybe a little chronic pain like TMJ from grinding teeth ...

[johnfunk]

2. Not a surprise -- the judge in the case is a right-wing judicial activist...

... and former Clinton crotch-sniffing deputy to Ken Starr.

His full name is John D. Bates. His role in Monicagate earned him the nickname "Master Bates" in waggish DC circles back around 1998.

[Hamlette]

4. governmental immunity is a long standing, much recognized legal principle.

it has to do with suing yourself since we are the soverigns in the US. It might be case law rather than statute.

[H2O Man]

5. Some of

the issues involved -- known as the "qualified-immunity" -- can be found on pages 11-12 of Injustice Bates' decision. Also see page 2 of the 11-14-06 Motion to Dismiss the Complaint, filed by Team Libby.