New York Court of Appeals

William J. Byam, Appellant v. Jennie E. Collins, Respondents

November 27, 1888111 N.Y. 143

Summary

The Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's judgment, holding that the letter written by Mrs. Collins was not a privileged communication and that the oral slander statements were likewise unprivileged, requiring a new trial. Justice Danforth's dissent argued that the communication was privileged and the judgment should have been affirmed.