258 A.D. 722 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1939
Lead Opinion
Order affirmed, with twenty dollars costs and disbursements. No opinion.
Present — Martin, P. J., O’Malley, Townley, Glennon and Untermyer, JJ.; O’Malley and Untermyer, JJ., dissent and vote to reverse and deny the motion; dissenting opinion by O’Malley, J.
Dissenting Opinion
The question of fan criticism or comment is ordinarily one for a jury and should be left to then1 judgment even in a doubtful case. (Seelman, Libel and Slander, p. 499, § 593; Odgers on Libel and Slander, [6th ed.] p. 180; Gatley on Libel and Slander, [3d ed.] p. 398; Triggs v. Sun Printing and Publishing Association, 179 N. Y. 144; McQuire v. Western Morning News Co., Ltd., [1903] 2 K. B. 100.)
The opposing affidavits of plaintiff allege facts tending to show bad faith in the very inception, a fact which negatives fair comment; false statements with respect to the contents of the work and attacks upon the plaintiff both as author and lawyer. It must be remembered that this is an order granting summary judgment dismissing the complaint. In my opinion the plaintiff has shown sufficient facts entitling him to prosecute the action. The complaint, therefore, should not have been dismissed in this summary manner upon affidavits. The determination of the issues should await a full adducement of all the facts and surrounding circumstances.
I, accordingly, dissent and vote to reverse the order and to deny the motion. .
Untermyer, J., concurs with O’Malley, J.
