Opinion ID: 447530
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Application of the Statute to Doe's Complaint

Text: 86 The critical paragraph of Doe's complaint reads, in relevant part: 87 [U]pon her removal from her position with the Department, the officials who are named defendants here allowed, permitted, aided and abbetted [sic] in the spreading of the charges and the allegations by other officials of the Department of Justice amongst members of the bar in western states (and other lawyers and non-lawyers in western states and elsewhere) who deal with water rights.... This made it and continues to make it impossible for plaintiff to obtain other employement [sic] because it destroyed her reputation as a competent and capable attorney and as a sober and serious person. 88 Plaintiff's Complaint p 28, J.A. at 12. Applying the standard noted above to the pertinent part of the complaint, we find that we are in agreement with the District Court's conclusion that the complaint, on its face, shows these claims to be time-barred. The language upon her removal unambiguously indicates that the alleged publication(s) occurred at the time of Doe's discharge. Thus, since the one year statute of limitations applies and since Doe did not file suit until almost two years after the alleged publication(s), it is clear from the face of the complaint that the statute of limitations bars these claims. 32