Redfearn v. Pusser

Lewis, Chief Justice:

This action seeks damages allegedly sustained from libelous statements made concerning plaintiff (respondent) in a pleading filed in the Probate Court for Chesterfield County by the defendant (appellant). Demurrer to the complaint was interposed on the ground that the alleged libelous statements were contained in a judicial pleading which is absolutely privileged. Appeal is from an order of the trial judge overruling the demurrer.

We have held that defamatory matter contained in pleadings filed according to law in a court having jurisdiction, if *507relevant and pertinent to…