Course #335- Tory v. Cochran: A Free Speech Issue - MP3

Course 335 1 hour MCLE Credit The renowned Johnnie Cochran sued his former client Ulysses Tory in a California court for making defaming statements. Tory had tried to force Cochran to pay him money in exchange for desisting, Cochran argued. A judge agreed and ordered Tory to never talk about Cochran again. Tory appealed unsuccessfully in state court, arguing the order violated his First Amendment right to free speech. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. Cochran died one week after oral argument. Question: Did a judge's order that someone stop making defaming statements about a public figure, even after that figure's death, violate the First Amendment right to free speech? Objectives: Analyze the case and its conclusion and decision. How was that question answered by the court? Do you agree or disagree with that answer?