Snakenberg v. Hartford Casualty Ins. Co., Inc.

“You smile and mock me, as if I meant naughtily.”

Bell, Judge:

This appeal raises an important question about the scope of the common law action for invasion of privacy. It arises in the form of a declaratory judgment action brought on a contract of insurance. The insured, John P. Snakenberg, seeks a declaration that the insurer, the Hartford Casualty Insurance Company, has a contractual duty to defend him against certain third party suits for invasion of privacy. The Hartford denies that Snakenberg’s homeowner’s policy covers the liability in question. The circuit court entered judgment for…