U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2002

Eng v. Securities & Exchange Commission

Eng v. Securities & Exchange Commission
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · Decided October 17, 2002 · Baldock, Kleinfeld, Rawlinson
49 F. App'x 697

Eng v. Securities & Exchange Commission

Opinion of the Court

MEMORANDUM**

The Commission’s finding that the statement was misleading and promised a result for which there was no reasonable basis is supported by substantial evidence. 15 U.S.C. § 78y(a)(4). Although Eng claims that his statements are constitutionally protected, full First Amendment protection is only given for commercial speech to statements that are truthful and not misleading. Greater New Orleans Broadcasting Assoc., Inc. v. United States, 527 U.S. 173, 183, 119 S.Ct. 1923, 144 L.Ed.2d 161 (1999) (citing Central Hudson Gas & Elec. Corp. v. Public Service Commission of N.Y., 447 U.S. 557, 566, 100 S.Ct. 2343, 65 L.Ed.2d 341 (1980)).

As the First Amendment does not shield from liability Eng’s commercial speech that was found to be misleading, we do not reach the question of whether the National Association of Securities Dealers is a government actor.

PETITION DENIED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3.

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