(La Porte, IN) - A verdict has been reached in the defamation lawsuit between Shaw Friedman and Tim Stabosz. That trial, over three years in the making, has been going on all week in La Porte Circuit Court.

 

Friday morning, the last three witnesses took the stand. And after lunch, lawyers on both sides gave their closing arguments.

 

Lawyers for Friedman contended that Stabosz maliciously and recklessly abused his right of free speech in order to damage Friedman’s reputation. Friedman’s civil suit requested over $5 million in damages.

 

The six-member jury was given their instructions at about 3:30 in the afternoon. About three hours later, they returned with a verdict in favor of Stabosz, clearing him of any liability for his comments.

 

His attorney, Andrew B. Jones, talked to HTNN shortly after the decision came down. “We are incredibly satisfied with the outcome,” he said. “But more than anything, we are appreciative to the jury, the court, and the court staff for all of the time, energy, and effort they put into allowing my client to present his case and receive a just and proper verdict.”

 

Friedman’s legal team responded with this statement: "We appreciate the work and attentiveness of the jury. The law of defamation is difficult and complex and we are evaluating several issues for appeal."