Novick v. Becker

The issue on this appeal is whether the plaintiff’s complaint sets forth a cause of action. The plaintiff contends that it sets forth a cause of action for libel, malicious prosecution in the nature of a wrongful garnishment, and abuse of legal process.

It is readily apparent that the complaint fails to set forth a cause of action for libel. Parties to judicial proceedings are absolutely exempt from responsibility for libel on the ground of privilege for any defamatory matter published in the course of judicial proceedings, subject to the possible qualification that such defamatory matter is…