FSP civil attacked in court

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SOCIALIST ACTION AUGUST 1987 13 A question of civil rights that affects every political organization and trade union is being argued in the courts of the state of Washington. Leaders of the Freedom Socialist Party (FSP) have been ordered to turn over internal documents to political opponents and court officials in a case that has been in litigation since 1984.

Richard Snedigar, a former member of FSP, is suing for the return of $22,500 he voluntarily donated to the party's building fund when the FSP was evicted from its headquarters in 1979. Although a new building has been purchased, Snedigar wants his money back. He has appealed to the capitalist courts to get it for him.

In a ploy, characterized by FSP lawyers as "your money or your minutes," Snedigar has demanded that the party turn over to him and his lawyers minutes of internal meetings and other confidential documents. This fishing expedition was launched during the pre-trial discovery period before the case came to trial.

Leaders of the FSP have refused to turn over minutes and other internal documents demanded by Snedigar because of the crippling effect this disclosure would have on constitutional rights, particularly on those of labor and dissident organizations.

Snedigar correctly reasoned that the FSP would refuse this totally unreasonable demand, a judge would declare the party in default, and award him $22,500 without the case ever going to trial. Superior Court Judge Warren Chan on May 14, 1987, signed a default order that would give Snedigar the right to seize FSP property, if necessary, to collect $22,500.

However, while Judge Chan signed the default decree, he did not file it, pending appeal to a higher court. He recognized that no appelate court has reviewed the issue of the constitutional right to privacy in the two years that the case has been before the courts. When Snedigar complained that this would delay his case, Chan asked, "How do you weigh a claim for $22,000 against a claim of invasion of constitutional rights?"

Judge Chan recognized that this threat to a constitutional right to privacy has aroused widespread concern throughout Washington. Heads of the Cannery Workers Union; Local 37, ILWU; King County Labor Council; and the Puyallup Tribal Council; among others, declared they too would refuse to turn over internal documents.

Contributions to the defense fund have been made by the AFSCME international union, the Hotel and Motel Trades Council, and the Seattle local of the Service Employees International Union. Those wishing to offer financial or other assistance can contact Freeway Hall Case Defense Committee, 5018 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118.