Judge Throws Out Second Anthrax Suit

Judge Claude Hilton threw out a  libel suit charging the New York Times with publishing columns unfairly linking Steven Hatfill to the 2001 anthrax attacks.

 

Hatfill Was A Scientist

In a 28-page opinion released yesterday, the Judge said Hatfill was giving interviews, and publishing articles, so he is a public figure.

Judge Is OK With Kristof

In the Judge's opinion Mr. Kristof acted responsibly in preparing the columns.

"Mr. Kristof reminded readers to assume Plaintiff's innocence, and highlighted the fact that Plaintiff was viewed by his family and friends as a patriot who could not have perpetrated the crime in question," Judge Hilton wrote.

Hatfill's Attorney Appeals Again

He threw out the case before, but federal appeals court overturned that decision, holding that a jury could find that the columns implied the scientist's guilt. He will go for another appeal.