Goosmann Law Firm proudly won a $231,000 jury verdict for Rick Bertrand against the Iowa Democratic Party and Rick Mullin. The Woodbury County jury awarded Rick Bertrand $231,000 in damages after finding that Bertrand’s opponent and the Democratic Party committed libel and slander in a television ad in their 2010 race for an Iowa Senate seat.
The Iowa Supreme Court took up the case and overturned Bertrand’s hard-won verdict, decided by a jury of his peers.
Bertrand’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was not unexpected. “Today was simply the next quiet step in the process. From day one I have said this is about changing the face of politics. This has never been about Democrats or Republicans…it’s about right and wrong,” said Bertrand. Bertrand emphasizes that he is continuing to fight for truth in public discourse about candidates for office. “Iowans and the Nation are tired of false attack ads in politics. As a voter, what can we believe? This case will change how political ads are developed, and I am pleased with the overwhelming National response as this case makes its way to the Supreme Court.”
Goosmann is optimistic with their chances in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Goosmann stated “This case gives the Supreme Court justices the opportunity to define truth and lies in political campaigns,” adding that the case could have far-reaching implications. “The Supreme Court has the opportunity to reset the course of public discussion about political candidates and to ensure the public is provided truthful information about those who seek to lead them.”
Past case results do not indicate the outcome of your case and case results are not typical.