CNN Dismisses Dershowitz's Defamation Lawsuit as Baseless

Network says Dershowitz's claims live in an 'alternate universe of facts'

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom or law library, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows casting an air of solemnity over the scene, conceptually representing the gravity of the legal proceedings.The Supreme Court's decision on Dershowitz's defamation lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for press freedom and the public's ability to scrutinize the arguments of high-profile figures.Washington Today

CNN has urged the Supreme Court to reject a defamation lawsuit filed by Alan Dershowitz, a member of former President Donald Trump's legal team. The network argues that Dershowitz's claims are not actionable and that he is an unfit petitioner to challenge the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan precedent.

Why it matters

This case could have significant implications for the press's ability to report on and discuss the arguments made by public figures, especially those representing the President of the United States. Dershowitz's lawsuit seeks to potentially overturn or limit the actual malice standard established in New York Times v. Sullivan.

The details

In his lawsuit, Dershowitz alleged that CNN commentary, selective editing, and quote selection knowingly or recklessly put forth a 'one-sided and false narrative' that he believed the President could do anything illegal as long as he believed it was in the public interest. CNN argued that Dershowitz's 'real complaint' is simply that pundits 'misinterpreted' his defense of Trump during the impeachment proceedings, which is not an actionable defamation claim.

  • Dershowitz filed the defamation lawsuit against CNN in 2020 following his defense of President Trump during the impeachment proceedings.
  • The case has been working its way through the courts, with Dershowitz recently asking the Supreme Court to grant a writ of certiorari to review the dismissal of his lawsuit.

The players

Alan Dershowitz

A famed criminal defense attorney and law professor who was a member of President Donald Trump's legal team during the 2020 impeachment proceedings.

CNN

The news network that Dershowitz is suing for defamation over its coverage of his impeachment defense of Trump.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Supreme Court will now decide whether to grant Dershowitz's petition for a writ of certiorari and take up the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between press freedom and defamation claims, especially when it comes to the coverage of high-profile public figures and their legal arguments. The outcome could have significant implications for how the media reports on and discusses the statements of prominent individuals.