War Stories is our popular series in which we interview a leading trial lawyer about one of their most significant cases, providing unique insights into trial strategy, and an archive that will benefit future students of the law. Our August program features a true master of the courtroom. Gary L. Bostwick has been trying defamation cases in California and across the country for 40 years.
The case he has chosen concerns a noted psychoanalyst called Jeffrey Masson. While working as director of the Sigmund Freud Archives, Masson became disillusioned with Freudian psychology and gave lectures explaining why. Author and journalist Janet Malcolm interviewed Masson, and wrote an article which was published in The New Yorker and a book. Mason claimed he was portrayed in an unflattering light and sued. Gary will explain the fascinating and intricate story of Masson v The New Yorker et al., which made its way to the US Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit (4 times), and established some key principles of defamation law.
This interview will be led by Alexander Rufus-Isaacs – Partner, Rufus-Isaacs Acland & Grantham LLP.
