In re Marriage of Tigges
Iowa Supreme Court
758 N.W.2d 824 (2008)
During his marriage to Cathy Tigges (defendant), Jeffrey Tigges (plaintiff) secretly installed video recording equipment throughout their home, including their bedroom, without her knowledge or consent. Cathy discovered the equipment when she saw Jeffrey removing a cassette from the recorder; the tape showed her in the bedroom but contained nothing graphic or demeaning. After Jeffrey filed for divorce, Cathy counterclaimed for tortious invasion of privacy. The trial court ruled for Cathy, and the court of appeals affirmed; Jeffrey sought further review.
Whether the tort of invasion of privacy by intrusion upon seclusion occurs when a defendant intentionally intrudes, physically or otherwise, upon another's solitude, seclusion, or private affairs in a manner that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.