Hagberg v. California Federal Bank FSB

Opinion

GEORGE, C. J.

We granted review in this case to consider whether tort liability may be imposed for statements made when a citizen contacts law enforcement personnel to report suspected criminal activity on the part of another person. As we shall explain, we agree with the trial court, the Court of Appeal, and the great weight of authority in this state in concluding that such statements are privileged pursuant to Civil Code section 47, subdivision (b) (section 47(b)),1 and can be the basis for tort liability only if the plaintiff can establish the elements of the tort of malicious…