Judge Dismisses Ex-Governor’s Libel Suit Against Boston Globe

A judge Wednesday dismissed a 12-count libel suit brought by former Gov. Edward J. King against the Boston Globe, finding that a public official “is expected to withstand even the most virulent criticism.”

In a 52-page ruling, the judge dismissed charges that King was libeled by the Globe, columnists David Farrell and Robert Turner and cartoonist Paul Szep, in a series of opinion columns, editorials and cartoons published during King’s 1979-1983 gubernatorial term.

The ruling by Superior Court Judge James P. Lynch Jr. followed two previous decisions by another judge not to grant the Globe request for summary judgment. That judge said the case should go to a jury.

Political Commentary

“The verdict reinforces our right to express opinions,” Globe Executive Editor John S. Driscoll said. “The Globe has always felt this lawsuit involved protected political commentary and opinion, not just for this newspaper but for everyone, whether expressed in print, aired in a broadcast or exchanged among neighbors.”

King previously said the lawsuit was the primary reason he decided to forgo a third race against Gov. Michael S. Dukakis this year.

King beat Dukakis in the 1978 Democratic primary and won the November election. Dukakis turned the tables on King in 1982, recapturing the governor’s office he had occupied from 1975-1979.

King’s attorney Henry Goldman labeled Lynch’s decision “almost unprecedented” and said an appeal would be filed within 30 days.

King brought suit in January, 1982, focusing on three cartoons, the columns and an editorial. He argued that publication was defamatory because of implications he had engaged in illegal activities while performing official duties.