Hartman v. Buerger

The judgment appealed from granted the defendants-respondents’ motion for summary judgment in an action for defamation brought by plaintiff-appellant, Claire A. Hartman. The summary judgment was based on defendants’ claim that an “absolute privilege” applies when a police officer gives requested character information to a licensing authority regarding an application for a fermented-malt beverage license.

On July 8, 1969, Mr. Hartman filed an application for a license to dispense fermented-malt beverages with the clerk of the town of Delton in Sauk county, pursuant to sec. 66.054, Stats. 1969.…