Sickles v. Kling

30 Misc. 37, 61 N.Y.S. 647

• Court: New York Supreme Court
• Decided: December 15, 1899
• Status: Published

Opinion

Gaynor, J.:

It was argued at the bar as the reason why the complaint should be required to state “ where and under what circumstances ” the defendant published the alleged libellous words, that if it should thereby appear that such publication was by means of the printed brief of the defendant in arguing a case in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, a demurrer to the complaint would be sustained on the ground that the publication was on an occasion of absolute privilege. But the law is not so. The occasion would be one of qualified privilege only. Unless the words were pertinent to the case they would not be privileged (Odgers on L. & S. 186; Marsh v. Ellsworth, 50 N. Y. 309). If the complaint were so amended it would still be for the defendant to plead his privilege as a defense. The plaintiff cannot he required to draw a demurrable complaint.

The plaintiff has alleged when the words were published, but has forgotten to allege in what place, viz., city or town; and in this respect only the motion is granted.

Motion granted.