In the case, home inspector Matthew Steinhausen sued a Seward, Neb., real estate agent and her company over the alleged remarks. Steinhausen argued that the remarks were libelous and hurt his business’ reputation. He asked the court for more than $50,000 in damages. The home inspector said the real estate agent called him a “total idiot” in an e-mail sent to more than 400 other real estate professionals. Dismissing the lawsuit, the judge said the comments were protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
