Suing God (honest, it's a lawsuit that has really been filed)

[Scott Idleman]

As an aside to the discussion, I am not at all familiar with Nebraska politics, but this appears to be the "Chambers" of Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983).

On a more technical note, even if the court does not dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction (and omnipresence would seem to preclude that ground for dismissal), I suspect that the defendant could assert a rather impressive claim of sovereign immunity.  And, should the case reach the merits, I also suspect that the formulation of a judicially enforceable remedy might prove unusually difficult.

In all seriousness, I wonder if the court could legitimately not fine the plaintiff for the frivilous (albeit entertaining) nature of his lawsuit.

Scott Idleman
Marquette University Law School

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Brad Pardee 
  To: Law & Religion issues for Law Academics 
  Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 9:02 PM
  Subject: Suing God (honest, it's a lawsuit that has really been filed)


  I'm embarrassed to admit that this guy is a long-term state senator here in Nebraska.  This does, however, seem to be the biggest possible interaction between religion and law.

  From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070917/ap_on_fe_st/odd_suing_god_2

  LINCOLN, Neb. - Fed up with the threats, tired of natural disasters, the state's longest-serving state senator is using his legal muscle against who he says is the culprit - God. State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha sued the Almighty in Douglas County District Court last week.

  ....
  Chambers says in his lawsuit that God has made terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents, inspired fear and caused "widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants."

  Chambers also says God has caused "fearsome floods ... horrendous hurricanes, terrifying tornadoes."

  He's seeking a permanent injunction against God.



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