Legal Question in Business Law in California

Defamation by libel

Am I able to enter a complaint as the plaintiff for defamation if a person who is not a party in another proceedings filed a declaration that is false and malicious and knowingly filed this declaration for what appears to be a consideration (monetary help).


Asked on 11/17/07, 3:32 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Defamation by libel

No, Civil Code section 47 confers an absolute privilege on statements made in the course of litigation, with an exception for certain aspects of family law matters. There is no tort recovery for perjury, either; see Taylor v. Bidwell (1884) 65 Cal. 489 at page 490.

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Answered on 11/17/07, 12:57 pm
Carl Starrett Law Offices of Carl H. Starrett II

Re: Defamation by libel

No. Documents and testimony filed in court are protected by the litigation privilege.

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Answered on 11/17/07, 3:44 am
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Defamation by libel

No, but you might bring it to the attention of the jury or judge in the court where the matter is pending.

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Answered on 11/17/07, 4:05 am


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