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30 Misc. 37

Sickles v. Kling

New York Supreme Court

Decided December 15, 1899

New York Supreme Court · decided 1899-12-15

Action for libel. Motion by the defendant Kling, an attorney and counsellor at law, that the complaint be made more definite and certain by stating “ when, where and under what circumstances ” the said defendant printed and published the alleged libel.

Relies on Marsh v. . Ellsworth

Decided 1899-12-15

Gaynor, J.:

¶1It was argued at the bar as the reason why the complaint should be required to state where and under what circumstances ” the defendant published the alleged libellous words, that if it should thereby appear that such publication was by means of the printed brief of the defendant in arguing a case in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, a demurrer to the complaint would be sustained on the ground that the publication was on an occasion of absolute privilege. But the law is not so. The occasion would be one of qualified privilege only. Unless the words were pertinent to the case they would not be privileged (Odgers on L. & S. 186; Marsh v. Ellsworth, 50 N. Y. 309). If the complaint were so amended it would still be for the defendant *38to plead his privilege as a defense. The plaintiff cannot he required to draw a demurrable complaint.

¶2The plaintiff has alleged when the words were published, but has forgotten to allege in what place, viz., city or town; and in this respect only the motion is granted.

¶3Motion granted.

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