Mann will eventually have to pay the price… – Is Watts satisfied with that?

SteynOnline.com recently reported that Michael E. Mann, known for his controversial “hockey stick” drawings and legal style, has been ordered to take personal responsibility for his actions against Mark Steyn ), National Review, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI). The case, launched more than a decade ago, has received widespread attention for its impact on free speech and scientific debate.

Initially, Mann testified that he did not personally fund his legal proceedings, so the source of his financial support was unclear. Early in the case, an anti-SLAPP motion to prevent lawsuits aimed at suppressing public speech was denied by Judge Natalia Combs-Greene, whose primary expertise is landlord-tenant disputes disputes. A subsequent judge upheld the decision, complicating the defense's efforts.

Seeking a resolution, Stan advocated for an immediate trial to clear his name, filed a counterclaim and requested separation from his co-defendants. However, Mann opposed the move, which led to appeals proceedings going all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the case was halted. During this time, Steyn published a compilation of criticism from more than 100 scientists who questioned Mann's work, particularly the methodology behind the “hockey stick” diagram.

Over time, National Review succeeded in having some of the charges dismissed at the appellate level, and the remaining charges were dismissed upon discovery. Despite raising large sums of money from supporters to defend Steyn, National Review ultimately distanced itself from Steyn, suggesting that Steyn was acting independently. Likewise, CEI used similar arguments to withdraw from the case, leaving Steyn and CEI writer Rand Simberg to proceed alone.

Ultimately, National Review filed a motion asking Mann to reimburse some of his legal fees under anti-SLAPP statutes. The recent ruling, which requires Mann to personally bear some of the financial burden, represents a small but significant shift in the long-running legal battle. I applaud the ruling.

However, based on past history, he may try to get out of trouble as he did after losing his legal battle with Dr. Tim Bauer. Mann has lost 3 times in the past and 4 times this time.

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