Russell v. Risher

The plaintiff, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, commenced a civil action on August 2, 1977, against the defendant, who was at that time Clerk of the House. The complaint alleged slander and assahlt, which were supposed to have occurred at the Southern Legislative Conference at the Mills Hyatt House Hotel in Charleston on July 22, 1977.

The defendant answered, (1) denying liability, (2) asserting the defense of privilege, (3) asserting the defense of qualified privilege, and (4) asserting justification and provocation. She also counterclaimed for alleged abuse of…