Moore v. Smith

Lawrence Moore, attorney and respondent, brought suit against the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Police Chief Lyle Smith, and two police officers, alleging defamation of professional reputation, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. The trial resulted in a general verdict in favor of Moore. All defendants appeal assigning error to various rulings of the trial court. They urge: (1) the communication which forms the basis of the defamation action is absolutely privileged; (2) the court erred in admitting certain testimony regarding the State Bar Association disciplinary process; (3) the court erred…