Arnheim v. Prozeralik

—Order unanimously affirmed with costs. Memorandum: We conclude that Supreme Court did not abuse its discretion in joining the two actions for trial. The power to order joint trials rests in the sound discretion of the trial court (Ventures Intl. v Uppstrom, 166 AD2d 321) and where common questions of law or fact exist, consolidation or joint trial is warranted unless the parties opposing the motion demonstrate prejudice to a substantial right (Berman v Greenwood Vil. Community Dev., 156 AD2d 326, 326-327). The defense of truth interposed in the answer to plaintiffs’ first action for slander…