Section 5.11 Imputation of Crime

LibraryTort Law 2016

a. (§5.11) Imputation of Crime

Words that charge the commission of a crime or acts that constitute an indictable offense are defamatory. Walker v. Kansas City Star Co., 406 S.W.2d 44 (Mo. 1966) (it is libelous to publish that a plaintiff led a charge against United States marshals during a riot at the University of Mississippi). Similarly, indirect accusations that "obviously and naturally" allege that the plaintiff committed a crime are libelous. Bauer v. Ribaudo, 926 S.W.2d 38, 41 (Mo. App. E.D. 1996) (an accusation in a political advertisement...

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