Mower v. Watson
Supreme Court of Vermont
This was an action on the case, for slanderous words. The words alleged to have been spoken by the defendant, of and concerning the plaintiff, were as follows ;• — ■ “ That is a lie.”
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This was an action on the case, for slanderous words. The words alleged to have been spoken by the defendant, of and concerning the plaintiff, were as follows ;• — ■ “ That is a lie.” “ I do intend to charge him (the plaintiff) with telling a lie under oath,” which words were alleged to have been spoken with reference to testimony which the plaintiff was giving, at the time of such speaking, in a court of justice, in the trial of a cause there pending, and upon a material point. Plea, not guilty, issue to the country. Upon the trial in the county court, the plaintiff introduced testimony…
1Opinion of the Court
The of the court was delivered by
Redeield, J.
The question raised by the bill of exceptions in this case, is one of very considerable practical importance, and no little difficulty. It is believed, however, that the principle upon which this case must be decided, is distinctly settled in Torry v. Field, 10 Vt. R. 353. It is there *540considered, that the privilege of all, whose duty or interest calls them to participate in the proceedings of courts of justice, is not to be made liable to an action of slander or libel, for any thing spoken or written therein, provided it be in the ordinary course…
2Cases cited1 opinion
- M'Claughry v. WetmoreNew York Supreme Court · 1810
3Cited by21 opinions
- Johnson v. BrownWest Virginia Supreme Court · 1878
- Lawson v. HicksSupreme Court of Alabama · 1862
- Schultz v. StraussWisconsin Supreme Court · 1906
- Cooper v. PhippsOregon Supreme Court · 1893
- Hoar v. WoodMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1841
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