Roby v. Murphy
Appellate Court of Illinois
Appeal from the Superior Court of Cook County; the Hon. Johet P. Altgeld, Judge, presiding. This was an action for slander, and the declaration was as follows: “ In the Superior Court, September Term, 1886. ‘‘ State of Illinois, 1 gg County of Cook, j s " “ Louisa Murphy, plaintiff, by John M. Beverly, her attorney, complains of Mrs. Lelia P. Boby, defendant, of a plea of trespass on the case; for that, whereas, the plaintiff, before and at the time of the committing by the…
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Appeal from the Superior Court of Cook County; the Hon. Johet P. Altgeld, Judge, presiding. This was an action for slander, and the declaration was as follows: “ In the Superior Court, September Term, 1886. ‘‘ State of Illinois, 1 gg County of Cook, j s " “ Louisa Murphy, plaintiff, by John M. Beverly, her attorney, complains of Mrs. Lelia P. Boby, defendant, of a plea of trespass on the case; for that, whereas, the plaintiff, before and at the time of the committing by the defendant of the several grievances hereinafter mentioned, was a person of good name, credit and reputation, and…
1Opinion of the CourtMoran, J.
Several sets of. words are set out in the declaration as being false, scandalous, malicious and defamatory, and among others, in the second count, are the following: “She is a dirty bitch.” “She is a dirty slut.” “She is a dirty, lying slut.” “ She is a filthy, lying slut.” These words are laid without any colloquitom going to show that they were used and understood in a slanderous sense. They must therefore be taken in their common acceptation. The word “bitch,” when applied to a woman, does not in its common acceptance import fornication or adultery, and is not actionable per se. K. v. H.,…
2Cases cited8 opinions
- Logan v. LoganIndiana Supreme Court · 1881
- Schurick v. KollmanIndiana Supreme Court · 1875
- Carter v. CarterIllinois Supreme Court · 1872
- Beard v. MaxwellIllinois Supreme Court · 1885
- Howard Fire & Marine Insurance v. CornickIllinois Supreme Court · 1860
3 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by9 opinions
- Bryson v. News America Publications, Inc.Illinois Supreme Court · 1996
- Delis v. SepsisAppellate Court of Illinois · 1972
- Cooper v. SeavernsSupreme Court of Kansas · 1909
- Gerald v. Inter Ocean Publishing Co.Appellate Court of Illinois · 1900
- Haskell v. PerkinsAppellate Court of Illinois · 1911
4 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.