Bohl v. Pryke
Nancy Bohl (Bohl) and her company, The Counseling Team (TCT), initiated this action against Raymond Pryke (Pryke) and other defendants after Pryke published a series of false and defamatory articles in three local newspapers which he personally owned and operated. The articles accused Bohl of various crimes and misconduct, resulting in causing her and TCT economic harm. Given the nature of the lawsuit, Pryke raised the California reporters shield laws to avoid revealing his sources. Bohl and TCT (herein collectively referred to as Plaintiffs) moved to compel Pryke to answer. After Plaintiffs made a prima facie showing of falsity, the trial court ordered Pryke to answer the discovery. He failed to do so, and the trial court eventually granted Plaintiffs motion to strike Prykes answer and enter his default. Proceeding to the default prove-up trial, Plaintiffs introduced evidence to support their claims and request for damages. Thus, the court awarded damages, including punitive, and costs to Plaintiffs. Appellant appeals.The judgment is reversed. The trial courts order striking Prykes answer and entering his default is reversed. Prykes answer is to be reinstated and the matter is remanded for further proceedings as directed within the body of this opinion.
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