Celebrezze v. Netzley

The controlling issue in this case is whether the denial of a motion for summary judgment constitutes a final appealable order, pursuant to R.C. 2505.02, where such motion is premised upon the assertion of an absolute immunity from liability in defamation actions accorded under the First Amendment to expressions of opinion. For the reasons which follow, we answer such query in the negative, and thus reverse the decision of the court of appeals.

R.C. 2505.02 provides, in pertinent part:

“An order that affects a substantial right in an action which in effect determines the action and prevents a…