Innuendo
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
pleading, is an averment which explains the defendant’s meaning by reference to antecedent matter. Salk. 513; 1 Ld. Raym. 256; 12 Mod. 139; 1 Saund. 243. ‘The innuendo is mostly used is only explanatory of some matter expressed, it serves to apply the slander to the precedent matter, but cannot add or enlarge, extend, or change the sense of the previous words, and the matter to which it alludes must always appear from the antecedent parts of the declaration or indictment.
1 Chit. Pl. 383; 3 Caines’s Rep. 76; 7 Johns. R. 271; 6 Johns. R. 211; 8 Johns. R. 109.
It is necessary only when the intent may be mistaken, or when it cannot be collected from the libel or slander itself.
Cowp. 679; 5 East, 463.
If the innuendo materially enlarge the sense of the words it will vitiate the declaration or indictment.
6 T. R. 691; 5 Binn. 218; 5 Johns. R. 220; 6 Johns. R. 83; 7 Johns. R. 271.
But when the new matter stated in an innuendo is not necessary to support the action, it may be rejected as surplusage.
9 East, 95; 7 Johns. R. 272. Vide generally, Stark. on Sland. 293; 1 Chit. PI. - 383; 3 Chit. Cr. Law, 873; 6 Bac. Ab. 249; 1 Saund. 243, n. 4; 4 Com. Dig. 712; 14 Vin. Ab. 442; Dane’s Ab. Index, h. t.; 4 Co. 17.