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Chambers’ lawsuit against God is tossed out

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By NATE JENKINS / The Associated Press

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 - 06:19:52 pm CDT

An unlisted address is proving to be God’s best legal weapon against a mortal but tenacious Nebraska state senator.

A Douglas County District Court judge on Tuesday threw out state Sen. Ernie Chambers’ lawsuit against God because the Almighty wasn’t served a legal notice. And the judge doesn’t seem to think it’s possible to find the Almighty’s front door.

“Given that this court finds that there can never be service effectuated on the named defendant this action will be dismissed with prejudice,’’ Judge Marlon Polk wrote in his four-page order.

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Document: Read the order to dismiss the lawsuit (PDF)

Just over a year ago Chambers, the longest serving — and maybe the most powerful — state senator in Nebraska history, sought a permanent injunction against God. He said the Almighty has made terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents in Omaha, inspired fear and caused “widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth’s inhabitants.’’

Chambers has said he filed the lawsuit to make the point that everyone should have access to the courts regardless of whether they are poor or have the means of billionaire Warren Buffett of Omaha.

But the judge ruled that under state law a plaintiff must have access to the defendant for a lawsuit to move forward.

Chambers, who graduated from law school but never took the bar exam, thinks he’s found a hole in the judge’s ruling.

“The court itself acknowledges the existence of God,’’ Chambers, who is not returning to the Legislature next year because of term limits, said on Wednesday. “A consequence of that acknowledgment is a recognition of God’s omniscience. Therefore, God would have actual notice of that lawsuit.’’

“Since God knows everything, God has notice of this lawsuit.’’

Chambers has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the decision and said he hasn’t decided yet whether to file one.

During a court appearance in August, while sitting a few feet away from an empty table reserved for God and God’s attorney, Chambers argued that courts and the U.S. government already routinely take notice of God.

Courts swear in witnesses with an oath that includes the phrase “so help me God.’’ Plus, the pledge of allegiance describes “one nation, under God,’’ and U.S. currency proclaims “In God We Trust.’’

Chambers regularly skipped morning prayers during his 38 years in the legislature and often criticizes Christians.


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Gotta Love Chambers wrote on October 15, 2008 8:36 am:
" I knew this was an exercise to show how badly our courts are,that without much ado you can sue anyone within reason (apparently God is out of that reason)
God was a good Choice on Mr.Chambers part, however I'm sad it got thrown out of court, it might have been interesting to see how each side would have argued. "

 clint wrote on October 15, 2008 8:36 am:
" This should have never got as far as it got How much of our tax dollars were wasted with? Yes, some were if this got in front of a judge tax dollars were wasted. Like our legi has nothing better to do. How about fixing the safe haven law like this last little mishap. "

 Nate wrote on October 15, 2008 8:40 am:
" Just another reason this person should not be a leader in our state. "

 Lee wrote on October 15, 2008 9:05 am:
" I'm so glad he (Ernie) will be gone soon! Enough already! "

 Scott wrote on October 15, 2008 9:08 am:
" This case still makes me smile. Good work, Ernie! "

 Atheist wrote on October 15, 2008 9:16 am:
" This case should have gone foward. Ernie would've gotten a default judgment. "

 shade wrote on October 15, 2008 9:18 am:
" Good work? For what? Using taxpayer money to try and prove a point that doesn't really need to be made? This was frivolous and wasteful, not amusing. "

 Craig wrote on October 15, 2008 2:20 pm:
" This is a point that still needs to be made. Thank you, Ernie. "

 Patrick wrote on October 15, 2008 3:19 pm:
" What a silly man that wasted a lot of people's time.

His premise for the entire drama was flawed and those that support his waste of time as pursuit of a valid issue are not well informed. "

 JB wrote on October 15, 2008 8:11 pm:
" Everyone who finds this humourous should go rent 'The Man Who Sued God' with Billy Conelly. VERY funny movie, along similar lines. "

 Jenny wrote on October 15, 2008 11:00 pm:
" This case was a mockery of our criminal justice system. "

 Howard wrote on October 16, 2008 9:51 am:
" Just proves how far our country is declining. To have a Senator bring up such a ridiculous issue is a good reason to not have him in this office anymore. It would be interesting to know if he is married and took wedding vows or was ever in the service, especially in a fox hole, under fire calling to God. Good bye Ernie. "

 Tom wrote on October 16, 2008 12:05 pm:
" But what about serving God's registered agents in Nebraska? Any clergyman in the state can accept service on His behalf. There are plenty of ways to serve process on a corporate entity (which He surely is -- he is not just one man, but a collection of saints, angels, spirits working for the good of His creation and the salvation of man).

Waste of money? Bah! If government doesn't do anything useful, at least they can make us laugh. Lighten up! "

 Lisa wrote on October 16, 2008 2:16 pm:
" Are you kidding me???? And he is the senator in Nebraska???? what is that state thinking of someone like him represent them. I am appalled and outraged that it got as far as the courts. He should be asked to resign and move to a country that doesn't believe in God.

No wonder this country is such turmoil............We have idiots running it.

I am thankful someone like him doesn't represent the great state of Texas, he would be shot and hung.... no questions asked. "

 Ryan wrote on October 16, 2008 9:00 pm:
" @Jenny
Our criminal justice system is already a mockery and this case just brings light to that.

I view his point to be about people that sue for every little thing, hoping to make a quick buck. Isn't that line of thinking wrong? I believe there should be harsh fines for people that bring up those types of lawsuits. Which is a point that Sen. Chambers successfully raises. "

 God wrote on October 19, 2008 9:56 pm:
" Haha Ernie, I win! "

 pjwrites wrote on October 21, 2008 8:38 am:
" "Chambers has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the decision and said he hasn’t decided yet whether to file one."
File that sucker, Senator. "

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