Climate scientist Michael Mann has emerged victorious in a legal battle against two right-wing bloggers who defamed him by claiming he manipulated data and comparing him to a convicted child molester.
The jury awarded Mann over $1 million in damages, marking a significant win for the outspoken researcher.
“I hope this verdict sends a message that falsely attacking climate scientists is not protected speech,” Mann said.
The case highlighted the ongoing attacks on scientists, particularly those working on climate change.
“Inflammatory does not equal defamatory,” attorney Victoria Weatherford said.
“We normally let scientists fight it out amongst themselves to discover what the truth is,” Lyrissa Lidsky said. “In these science cases, there’s a lot of leeway for opinion. It doesn’t mean there’s carte blanche to lie about another scientist.”
The trial also delved into the boundaries of free speech and open debate in science.
“Calling Michael Mann’s work fraudulent is just patently false,” Lauren Kurtz said.
“Climate scientists are still regularly targeted by climate deniers, even though the science is quite clear at this point,” she added.
Mann, known for his “hockey stick” graph, faced scrutiny over his research, but ultimately prevailed in proving defamation.
“I am pleased that the jury found in my favor on half of the statements at issue in this case, including finding my statement that Dr. Mann engaged in data manipulation was not defamation,” Rand Simberg said. “In over a decade of litigation, the sanctions levied against Dr. Mann dwarf the judgment against me.”
The trial not only centered on Mann’s personal distress but also sparked debates about climate science and the First Amendment’s protections for critics.
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