Oct. 1, 2026
Petrou's PG&E defamation ruling heads to high court as she faces voters
Justice Ioana Petrou, whose ruling wiping out a $2.16 million verdict against PG&E is before the state Supreme Court, faces her second retention vote Nov. 3.
Justice Ioana Petrou's most closely watched opinion is before the California Supreme Court, which will decide when fired workers may sue employers for defamation.
In Hearn v. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., A167742, filed Jan. 24, 2025, Petrou wrote for a divided 1st District Court of Appeal panel that wiped out a $2.16 million Napa County jury verdict for Todd Hearn. The PG&E lineman said the utility defamed him in the investigation that led to his firing.
...For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In