California Supreme Court Watch

#25-130 Hearn v. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., S289581. (A167742, A167991; 108 Cal.App.5th 301; Napa County Superior Court; 20CV000391.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal affirmed in part and reversed in part the judgment in a civil action. The court limited review to the following issue: May a terminated employee bring a defamation claim against a former employer when the defamation allegedly contributed to the reasons for the termination of that employment or must such a claim be pursued under a wrongful discharge theory?

Petition for review granted; issues limited: 5/14/2025

Case fully briefed: 11/24/2025

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.

In the news: Catlos & Sterne, PG&E Win Boosts Employers’ Defamation Defense, Law360 (Mar. 25, 2025).

In the news: Oncidi, $2.16 Million Defamation Verdict Is Voided On Appeal, National Law Review (Apr. 7, 2025).