The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today (I now have a more direct link) that UALR law faculty member Robert Steinbuch can continue his lawsuit against the publisher of a novel (pictured) based on a sex blog, The Washingtonienne. Steinbuch says his privacy was invaded by the book, which, at least indirectly, relates episodes involving him when he was a D.C. congressional staffer. HBO has optioned the book for a fictional show. The appeals court said a district court had correctly dismissed a claim by Steinbuch that he was injured by that act.
His win today will guarantee more publicity on the invasion of privacy claim, including his denial of blog references to sexual practices, etc. Speaking of Kenneth Starr: You’ll find Starr-style details in the court’s opinion.