Bates v. ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Immunity from civil liability created by an absolute privilege and its application in a defamation action against the Sheriff of St. Lucie County give rise to this appeal. The plaintiff appeals an order setting aside a jury verdict in her favor and entering a directed verdict for the Sheriff and the consequent final judgment. The plaintiff argues that the trial court erred in setting aside the jury verdict based on absolute immunity. We affirm.

The plaintiff, a former employee of the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office, filed a complaint against the Sheriff and other employees of the Sheriffs…