Extra Innings · Cards & Faces
The Medal He Never Won
Spahn v. Julian Messner, Inc. (1967)
Charge: Invasion of privacy (N.Y. Civil Rights Law) - unauthorized biography invented heroics about a star pitcher (suit against the publisher)Court: New York Court of AppealsDocket: Cards & Faces
Can a famous athlete stop the sale of an unauthorized biography that invents flattering but false events about his life?
The facts
A publisher released an unauthorized biography of a star left-handed pitcher aimed at young readers. It invented dialogue, imagined private thoughts and family scenes, and falsely said he had won a Bronze Star in the war. The book made him look more heroic, not less. He sued under a state law barring use of a person's name for trade without consent. The publisher argued the First Amendment protects writing about public figures.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Spahn v. Julian Messner, Inc., 21 N.Y.2d 124 (1967)
Read more at en.wikipedia.org. The source reveals the outcome.