Hammer v. Ribi

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Sharon Hammer appealed a district court’s order dismissing her complaint. Hammer’s action against Nils Ribi alleged that he assaulted her during a city council meeting on September 15, 2011. Hammer was employed as City Administrator for Sun Valley, and Ribi was a member of the city council. Hammer’s alleged that, during a break in the meeting, Hammer left the council chambers to copy some documents. Ribi followed Hammer and demanded that she make certain changes to budget documents. Hammer refused. Ribi raised his arms; Hammer was afraid Ribi was going to hit her, and she stepped back. Hammer’s complaint alleged that Ribi had committed a civil assault. The district court granted Ribi’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. The district court denied Hammer’s motion to require Ribi to undergo a mental examination and ruled that Hammer failed to plead facts which would show that Ribi was not immune from suit under the Idaho Tort Claims Act (ITCA). The Idaho Supreme Court concluded the district court erred in dismissing Hammer's complaint for failing to state a claim. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Hammer's motion to compel a mental health examination. The Supreme Court vacated the judgment dismissing Hammer’s lawsuit and remanded for further proceedings. View "Hammer v. Ribi" on Justia Law