87 Mass. 593 | Mass. | 1863
The evidence derived from the testimony of Lord was inadmissible, and should upon objection made to it have been excluded. It had no tendency to prove the truth of either of the alleged defamatory accusations set forth in the declaration as having been uttered and published by the defendant. It is averred in the first count that he accused the plaintiff of “ the crime of buying and selling by unsealed weights and measures ; ” and in the second, that he accused him of “ the crime of gross fraud and cheating at common law.” Giving to the testimony its utmost force, and all the import and meaning of which it is really susceptible, or of which the defendant himself contends that it is capable, it shows only the intention or purpose of the plaintiff, upon one particular occasion, to cheat and defraud other persons, if he could induce the individual to whom he applied to cooperate with him in the sale of damaged meat. But it was a mere application on his part; and it does not appear from any statement in the bill of exceptions, nor has it been suggested that in fact, any evidence was tendered, or offered to be produced, to show that the application was successful, or that anything was done or attempted to be done in pursuance
The evidence was inadmissible in mitigation of damages. It is only the general character of the plaintiff, or his rank and condition in life, which may be proved for this purpose, and not particular instances of misconduct. Wolcott v. Hall, 6 Mass. 514. Alderman v. French, 1 Pick. 1. Bodwell v. Swam, 3 Pick. 376. As it was not admissible for this purpose, and had no tendency to support the justification set up by the defendant that the alleged defamatory accusations were true, its only effect could have been to create a prejudice against the defendant in the minds of the jury, and it should not therefore have been submitted to their consideration. Exceptions sustained.