Nields v. Lea

The action is for libel. The complaint alleges that in 1942, at a time when the plaintiff was applying for a commission in the United States Navy, the defendant published certain defamatory matter to officers and employees of the Navy concerning the plaintiff. The statements attributed to the defendant reflected seriously on the plaintiff’s loyalty, and were libelous per se. Issue having been joined, the plaintiff served a notice to examine the defendant before trial on the issues of publication, falsity, malice and damage. Thereupon the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New…