US families liable for calling teacher ‘perv’ says court

San Jose Teacher Vindicated by Jury

The San Jose Mercury News reported on Friday that a jury found in favor of a former Catholic school P.E. teacher accused of perversion and stalking more than two years ago.

The jury found that 49-year-old John Fischler, who was accused of looking inside a girls’ bathroom and inappropriately touching students, was harmed by the spread of gossip without necessary evidence after local police and school officials has cleared him of any crime.

Fischer filed the lawsuit when he could no longer work. He claimed that a popular “gang leader” girl and parents had purposely fabricated the tale to get him fired.

The children and their families must pay Fischler compensatory damages of $362,653 for defaming his character and harming his reputation.

Santa Clara County Superior Court also found that one girl will need to pay punitive damages since she acted maliciously toward him. The jury will start deliberating to decide the exact amount on Monday.

The families of the girls believe that awarding any damages sets a precedent which will result in fewer children reporting real school abuses. Fischler’s supporters believe the award shows student bullies and their parents that they can’t get away with lying.

On The Web:

Jury finds girls, parents liable for calling teacher ‘perv’
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24535161/jury-finds-girls-parents-liable-calling-teacher-perv

Parents, girls ordered to pay $389,000 compensation for defaming teacher
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/parents-girls-ordered-to-pay-389000-compensation-for-defaming-teacher/story-fni0xs61-1226762148160