Martinez de Castro v. Stoddard
A former South Miami police chief sued the city's mayor individually for defamation based on statements calling him corrupt in the mayor's blog and a 'Dear Neighbors' letter to residents. The Third DCA affirmed summary judgment for the mayor, holding the statements were absolutely privileged because communicating with constituents about city operations — including the police department — fell within the liberally construed scope of the mayor's duties, even though the mayor's role was partly ceremonial and he lacked hiring/firing authority over the chief.
Key facts
- Former South Miami police chief sued the city's mayor individually for defamation based on statements in the mayor's blog and a public letter to residents characterizing the chief as corrupt.
- The trial court granted summary judgment for the mayor, and the Third DCA affirmed, finding the statements were absolutely privileged as falling within the mayor's official duties.
- +2 more key facts with a free trial
Why it matters
This opinion gives defense counsel for municipal officials a strong Third DCA authority that public communications with constituents — including blog posts and social/online media — fall within the 'scope of duty' for… — full analysis with a trial
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