Judge Pat Wolke heard arguments today from lawyers representing Congressman Peter DeFazio and Art Robinson in regards to a tort case filed by Robinson.

Robinson is suing DeFazio for $1 million because he alleges that during the last election DeFazio knowingly placed billboards depicting Robinson with quotes taken out of context. The plaintiff also alleges disclaimers were either omitted or visually disguised in order to confuse the viewer into believing Robinson posted the billboards.

Motions being dealt with during the hearing today involved an anti-SLAPP motion, a SLAPP or strategic lawsuit against public participation is when a lawsuit intends to silence critics by inhibiting them through mounting legal costs, and a summary judgment motion which would force the judge to look only at the evidence provided by the party with the burden of proof, in this case Robinson.

Judge Wolke is taking time to consider the facts and evidence of the case before making a decision.