Deese v. . Collins

The sole question presented by this appeal, as stated in appellant’s brief, is whether a false statement made by defendant that plaintiff has negro blood in his veins, is actionable per se under the law. of this State. Unless this question be answered in the affirmative, no action for damages can be maintained therefor, without allegation and proof of special damages resulting from the false statement. On the contrary, if the words are actionable per se the plaintiff is required neither to allege nor prove damages; the law presumes damages, as necessarily resulting from the false statement.…