Do any FReepers know that when Zimm sues NBC for libel or defamation or whatever charge applies to prejudicing a jury with willful misrepresentation of him as ‘profiling blacks’, DOES HE HAVE TO BE PRESENT DURING THE HEARING OR TRIAL?? Can he win such a case without being present, and just let his attorneys perhaps ‘settle’ with NBC for an undisclosed sum?
Typically a plaintiff need not be at the trial, but their testimony is usually required in order to make the full case, even if its just to prove up damages.
In any event, the defendant could subpoena him or her to trial if they wanted to.