Mary Gnapinsky, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Sophie Goldyn and Eva Hamot, Defendants-Respondents

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division's dismissal of the appeal for untimely briefing, but affirmed the trial court's dismissal of the plaintiff's slander action because the plaintiff failed to show that the alleged statements were understood to refer to her. The Court held that slander imputing unchastity to a woman is actionable per se in New Jersey, yet required proof of publication to a third person who identified the plaintiff. Justice Vanderbilt dissented, arguing for reversal and remand.