The Commonwealth Court has agreed to hear argument over two issues in a lawsuit filed against state Attorney General Kathleen Kane, including whether a cause of action for a “name-clearing hearing” may be brought against Kane in her personal capacity. The court will also review whether absolute immunity can be applied when a state official acts outside the scope of her authority and employment.

The court issued a per curiam order Dec. 22 in Thomas v. Kane, consolidating appeals from both sides following an Aug. 17 order from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where the suit was brought.

Claude Thomas alleged in his first amended complaint that Kane defamed him and invaded his privacy by making public statements that a corruption investigation he led, supervised by former Attorney General Tom Corbett and former chief deputy attorney general Frank Fina, targeted only African-American legislators and ignored activities of white legislators. The complaint noted Thomas is African-American.