State Supreme Court won’t hear Mississippi Today’s appeal in case versus former Governor Phil Bryant

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) -The Mississippi Supreme Court has decided it will not hear the appeal requested by Mississippi Today in the legal battle between the organization and former Governor Phil Bryant.

”Ultimately, we’re going to have to go back to court,” said Phil Bryant’s attorney William Quin.

Bryant filed suit against Mississippi Today last year, alleging they defamed the former Governor by linking him directly to the state’s welfare scandal. The news site was trying to appeal the lower court’s decision that would require them to turn over information they say would reveal confidential sources.

“I don’t really care who her source is unless it’s relevant to this case,” noted Quin. “What I do care about is representing my client in a civil action to vindicate his rights and the only way we can do that, the only way is recovery of civil damages.”

The issue is now punted back to the circuit court.

“The Supreme Court did not rule that the privilege doesn’t exist,” added Quin. “The Supreme Court did not rule that the privilege has even been overcome. Nothing has been given to the judge. All we have now is the judge’s order has to be respected. Which places Mississippi Today in the position of having to decide, do they think they’re above the law?”

The publication isn’t asserting they’re above the law, rather that investigative documents that could reveal confidential sources are protected under the First Amendment.

“This order is just another bend in the road on our trek to stand up for the First Amendment rights of our newsroom, our sources, and that of every Mississippian,” said CEO Mary Margaret White. “The Mississippi Supreme Court’s decision not to hear our appeal is disappointing, but it does not change our arguments or diminish our confidence. We are prepared to continue this fight in the circuit court and thank the thousands of Mississippi Today readers and supporters who are standing with us in our fight for a free press.”

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