Dart v. Craigslist, Inc. [1]

Thomas Dart, the Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, filed a lawsuit [2] against online classified site Craigslist [3], alleging that the site is a "public nuisance" because its users have posted ads in the "erotic services" category that facilitate prostitution.

The civil complaint [2], filed by the Sheriff in his official capacity, seeks an injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys' fees.  According to the complaint, Craigslist creates a "public nuisance" because its "conduct in creating erotic services, developing twenty-one categories, and providing a word search function causes a significant interference with the public's health, safety, peace, and welfare." Compl. ¶ 92.

Update:

5/4/2009 - Craigslist filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings [4].

7/10/2009- Dart filed a response to Craigslist's motion for judgement on the pleadings. [5]