Plecker v. Knottnerus

The alleged libel consisted of an information, signed by the appellant, charging that the appellee was insane, and a fit subject for treatment in the hospital for the insane. It was alleged that the information was filed in the office of the clerk of the district court and published to the clerk and deputy clerk; that the charge was false and untrue, and was so. filed and published maliciously and without probable cause, and for the purpose of injuring the plaintiff and to deprive her of credit and reputation and to cause it to be believed that she was insane.

The answer alleged in some detail…