Finkelstein v. Diamond

The complaint is insufficient. In setting forth the allegedly slanderous words spoken, the exact words used by the defendant should be alleged; it is not sufficient to summarize the language or to state plaintiff’s idea of its meaning or the substance of the words used (Crowell v. Schneider, 165 App. Div. 690; Deddrick v. Mallery, 143 App. Div. 819; Drohan v. O’Brien, 76 App. Div. 265; Locke v. Benton & Bowles, Inc., 253 App. Div. 369; Munzer v. Blaisdell, 268 App. Div. 9).

Because of this basic defect in the complaint, it becomes unnecessary to consider whether the complaint is deficient in…