News & Commentary

First, Bob Murray threatened to sue John Oliver for being mean to him. Then, Bob actually did sue John Oliver for being mean to him. Eventually, the judge in the lawsuit rightfully decided to dismiss the case.

In episode 3 of Civil Fights, Jamie and Noah talk about Jamie’s now-famous amicus brief in Marshall County Coal v. Oliver (in which coal baron Bob Murray sued John Oliver for being mean to him).

Today, we filed an amicus brief in The Marshall County Coal Company et al. v. John Oliver et al. The lawsuit involves coal baron Bob Murray (the CEO of the Murray Energy Corporation, which owns the Marshall County Coal Company), who has a history of violating mine safety regulations and financially supporting politicians—including President Donald Trump—who will advance an agenda that enriches coal executives while leaving miners in harm’s way. Murray also has a history of suing media outlets that call out his unethical practices, which is where this case come into play.

Welcome to the launch of Civil Fights, a new podcast from the ACLU of West Virginia where we try to break down legal and constitutional issues in a way that makes sense to everyone—not just constitutional scholars and federal judges.

The First Amendment guarantees a free press. The United States’ second president, John Adams, said, “the liberty of the press is essential to the security of the state.” Even Thomas Jefferson, who had a quarrelsome relationship with the press said, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press.”

Three events in three different cities across West Virginia?! You read that right. We’re gearing up for an exciting week and we want to invite YOU to be a part of it.