Ormsby v. . Douglass

While the law authorizes actions of slander to be maintained, to vindicate the reputation and character of individuals who have been wrongfully and unjustly assailed, it also upholds the principle that, in a certain class of cases, communications between individuals are regarded as privileged; and are, therefore, protected from the presumption of malice which is usually to be inferred from the charge itself. Where the wrongful act is intentional, a malicious intent is implied, and the party is held responsible. But, in actions of slander, if it be made to appear that the defendant had just…