Mann loses 99.5% of his damages

Climate scientist Michael Mann won $1 million in a defamation lawsuit against writer Mark Steyn. However the damages have been reduced to $5,000 due to false claims by Mann about lost grants.

Some extracts from the recent court ruling:

• They each knowingly made a false statement of fact to the Courtand Dr. Mann knowingly participated in the falsehood, endeavoring to make the strongest case possible even if it required using erroneous and misleading information
• Both attorneys deliberately engaged in outright misrepresentations, with the intent of presenting false evidence in support of a crucial aspectof Dr. Mann’s claims,that fall squarely within Rule 8.4(c)’s prohibition against “conduct involving dishonesty
• Therefore, as Mr. Williams and Mr. Fontaine knowingly violated the rules of professional conduct, the Court finds that their conduct,in service of Dr. Mann, involvesthe requisite bad faith warranting sanctions pursuant to the Court’s inherent authority
• Dr. Mann’s assertion that there was no falsehood or misrepresentation in his testimony orhis counsel’s conductborders on frivolity
• The Court arrives at such a sanction because the misconduct of Dr. Mann and his counsel (1) was extraordinary in its scope, extent, and intent;

It seems Dr Mann has done more damage to his own reputation through this lawsuit, than Mr Steyn did!