Morrissey v. Providence Telegram Publishing Co.

To charge in writing that a man is an ex-convict is libelous, since its effect is to degrade him in public estimation. State v. Spear & Corbett, 13, R. I. 324. The word “convict,” as ordinarily used carries with it the idea that the person of whom it is spoken is guilty of crime of such infamous character as to be punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, and of such imprisonment, and, therefore, is to be taken prima facie, as importing guilt of such crime and imprisonment in consequence. ' The prefix “ex,” denoting that the convict has served out a sentence for crime or been pardoned…