SC20699 - Benvenuto v. Brookman ("This is an appeal from an order granting
a bill of discovery and requiring the defendant, Kevin
Brookman, who publishes an Internet blog known as
‘‘We The People–Hartford,’’ to submit his laptop and
cell phone for a forensic analysis that will enable the
plaintiff, Vincent G. Benvenuto, to ascertain the identities of persons who posted blog comments containing
allegedly defamatory statements about him. ‘‘[T]o safeguard the defendant’s privacy interest,’’ the trial court’s
discovery order mandates that the parties attempt to
reach an agreement on the terms of a protective order
and search protocols that together will govern the scope
and procedures to be used in the forensic analysis, or,
in the absence of an agreement, submit proposed orders
so that the trial court can resolve any disputes regarding
the terms of the protective order and search protocols.
The court expressly retained jurisdiction until such time
as the parties have filed an agreement or the court
has resolved any impasse. Following oral argument, we
ordered the parties to file supplemental briefs addressing
whether the trial court’s order is a final judgment for
purposes of appellate review. We conclude that the
order is not final and dismiss the appeal.")