NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Judge Judy files suit against Conn. lawyer

HARTFORD, CONN.

Television’s Judge Judy filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a Connecticut personal-injury lawyer, alleging that he used her image without authorization in advertisements that falsely suggested she had endorsed his firm.

The lawsuit filed in federal court seeks more than $75,000 in damages from Hartford attorney John Haymond and his firm.

Judith Sheindlin, a retired Family Court judge who has starred in “Judge Judy” for 18 years, said this is the first time she has filed a lawsuit against anyone. She said the unauthorized use of her name and image is “outrageous” and requires action.

“Mr. Haymond is a lawyer and should know better,” Sheindlin said.

Haymond’s office said he was not immediately available to comment.

Prince Charles loses bid to keep letters private

LONDON

The Guardian has won a court battle in its efforts to disclose letters by Prince Charles — a decision the newspaper argues could shed light on whether he has used his position to influence politics.

The Court of Appeal ruling Wednesday came after Attorney General Dominic Grieve refused to let the public see Charles’ correspondence with seven U.K. government departments. Grieve had argued the particularly frank letters reflect the personal views of Charles, who is first in line to the throne. The fear is Britons may not find Charles to be politically neutral — as a king must be — and the monarchy would be undermined.

The Guardian argued the government failed to show reasonable grounds for the letters to be blocked.

Associated Press