Civil, Criminal, Defensive, Offensive
Activists in the Courts Legal Update
March 1, 2003
Feb. 3: Criminal charges against tree-sitters Abstract Jane Marsh and Jaime LeRoy Harris were heard in Humboldt County Superior Court with celebrated attorney Tony Serra defending them (see Tree Sit story for details.) Most charges were dropped.
Of the 52 people arrested in civil disobedience actions since July 2002 in the Mattole, Grizzly Creek and Freshwater, 8 activists have upcoming court dates over the next couple months. Our updates will contain news.
March. 24: SYP case will be heard in court in Eureka (see article)
May 12: Re-trial of pepper spray case in Humboldt County (see article)
SLAPP suits: Pacific Lumber is pursuing its fourth Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) against activists in the last few years. Maxxam/PL has used this tactic in the past, as have other corporate interests seeking to quell protests by intimidation and scare tactics. The first SLAPP was filed against over 70 activists defending the Mattole from PL clearcuts. A recent offer to settle this case was released by PL’s attorney; the forest defenders are presently reviewing that settlement offer.
Maxxam/PL SLAPP #2 was filed in fall 2001 against activists protesting logging of the “Hole in the Headwaters.” It was dismissed for lack of evidence.
SLAPP #3 was filed against activists engaged in a lock-down at the corporate offices in Scotia in the summer of 2002. Scheduled for trial in April of 2003.
In keeping with PL’s traditional m.o., the status hearing on SLAPP#4 took place in closed session on Jan. 24, 2003 and was essentially a one-sided discussion between the judge and PL’s attorney. The forest defenders were informed at that hearing that PL had been granted a preliminary injunction against them. The next hearing is March 24 in Eureka.
These lawsuits have not had the effect of deterring protests, as activist resistance continues. They do, however, increase the financial hardship on forest defenders.
