New York Court of Appeals

John H. More, Appellant v. James Gordon Bennett, Respondent

May 5, 187248 N.Y. 472

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's nonsuit, holding that the plaintiff's complaint was sufficient because the statement that Mr. More protected a prostitute was naturally understood as an accusation of illicit patronage, and that no extrinsic averments are required when the words themselves are defamatory.