¶1The words laid, naturally import that the defendant’s wife bad been guilty of perjury, and that the plaintiff, by procuring ber to commit the crime, bad been guilty of subornation of perjury, and so are actionable. Words are not to be taken in a milder Sense than they bave in common acceptation; especially after verdict, which ascertains that they were spoken maliciously, and with intent to defame.
1 Kirby 12
Beers v. Strong
Decided February 15, 1786
Connecticut Superior Court · decided 1786-02-15
Action on tbe case for these words: “ My wife has taken a false oath, and it was through tbe instigation of Beers and Booth, her sons. My wife has taken a false oath — she is a poor creature — and if it bad not been for Andrew Beers and David Booth, she never would bave done it; they are tbe foundation of tbe quarrel. My wife’s children bave taken ber before Squire Hinman, and bave made ber take a false oatb, and I bave been and taken a copy of it.
Motion overruled · Decided 1786-02-15