Rage Against the Voting Machine: Dominion’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Sidney Powell

Michael Conklin, Rage Against the Voting Machine: Dominion's Defamation Lawsuit Against Sidney Powell, 26 Ill. Bus. L.J. 1 (2021).

8 Pages Posted: 27 Jan 2021 Last revised: 12 Jun 2021

See all articles by Michael Conklin

Michael Conklin

Angelo State University - Business Law; Texas A&M University School of Law

Date Written: January 26, 2021

Abstract

On January 8, 2021, Dominion Voting Systems, Inc., filed a defamation lawsuit against Sidney Powell. The 124-page complaint—drafted by the law firm of noted libel attorney Tom Clare—is the result of Powell’s claims that Dominion rigged the 2020 presidential election. This Article examines the relevant issues of false statement of fact, damages, causation, and actual malice. Additionally, a unique privilege that may be available to Powell is considered.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching ramifications. For example, the discovery process could uncover damning communications between Powell and either the Trump campaign or conservative media outlets. And this lawsuit could be the first of many. Dominion is considering similar legal action against others, including Donald Trump. Dominion has already sent document-retention letters to Rudy Giuliani and Fox News. The ramifications of such subsequent lawsuits could be even greater if they reach the Supreme Court and it takes the opportunity to revisit Sullivan, as recently advocated for by Justice Thomas.

Keywords: Voter Fraud, Dominion, Sidney Powell, Defamation, 2020 Election, Prospective Damages, Future Damages, Third Party Standing

Suggested Citation

Conklin, Michael, Rage Against the Voting Machine: Dominion’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Sidney Powell (January 26, 2021). Michael Conklin, Rage Against the Voting Machine: Dominion's Defamation Lawsuit Against Sidney Powell, 26 Ill. Bus. L.J. 1 (2021)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3773641 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3773641

Michael Conklin (Contact Author)

Angelo State University - Business Law ( email )

United States

Texas A&M University School of Law ( email )

Tarrant County
United States

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