conditional privilege (Connecticut) · Go Syfert
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conditional privilege in Connecticut

19 Connecticut opinions name it 3 courts 1972–2025 4 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Connecticut courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (7)

CaseFollowedCited
Miles v. Perrygreen
connappct · 1987 · cited in 8 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 1995–2004
2 sentences

2004In its memorandum of decision, the court, applying the factors set forth in Miles v. Perry, supra, 11 Conn. App. 584 , found that communications between educators and the parents of a student are subject to a conditional privilege. 5 The court, noting that a conditional privilege does not exist if the remarks are made with malice, improper motive or lack of good faith, then found that Ramia did not act with malice or recklessness.

2003Therefore, a conditional privilege may be recognized only where the statement is made in good faith, without malice, in an honest belief in the truth of the statement, and in discharge of a public or private duty." (Citations omitted.) Miles v. Perry , 11 Conn. App. 584 , 594 n. 8, 529 A.2d 199 (1987); see also Gaudio v. Griffin Health Services Corp. , 249 Conn. 523 , 556 , 733 A.2d 197 (1999).

18
Bleich v. Ortizgreen
conn · 1985 · cited in 4 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 1995–2024
2 sentences

2024Moreover, the case that American Lawyer Media, Inc. cited for the proposition, Bleich v. Ortiz, 196 Conn. 498, 504 , 493 A.2d 236 (1985), spoke generally of conditional privileges but did not say that fair reporting is a conditional privilege; indeed, there is no mention of the fair report privilege in that opinion.

2024Moreover, the case that American Lawyer Media, Inc. cited for the proposition, Bleich v. Ortiz, 196 Conn. 498, 504 , 493 A.2d 236 (1985), spoke generally of conditional privileges but did not say that fair reporting is a conditional privilege; indeed, there is no mention of the fair report privilege in that opinion.

14
Gaudio v. Griffin Health Services Corp.green
conn · 1999 · cited in 2 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 2002–2003
2 sentences

2003Therefore, a conditional privilege may be recognized only where the statement is made in good faith, without malice, in an honest belief in the truth of the statement, and in discharge of a public or private duty." (Citations omitted.) Miles v. Perry , 11 Conn. App. 584 , 594 n. 8, 529 A.2d 199 (1987); see also Gaudio v. Griffin Health Services Corp. , 249 Conn. 523 , 556 , 733 A.2d 197 (1999).

2003Therefore, a conditional privilege may be recognized only where the statement is made in good faith, without malice, in an honest belief in the truth of the statement, and in discharge of a public or private duty." (Citations omitted.) Miles v. Perry , 11 Conn. App. 584 , 594 n. 8, 529 A.2d 199 (1987); see also Gaudio v. Griffin Health Services Corp. , 249 Conn. 523 , 556 , 733 A.2d 197 (1999).

12
Bhatia v. Debekgreen
conn · 2008 · cited in 1 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025In so doing, the court overlooked the fact that whether good faith exists is a question of fact; see Bhatia v. Debek, 287 Conn. 397, 413 , 948 A.2d 1009 (2008); that the plaintiff here disputed.26 See, e.g., United Oil Co. v. Urban Redevelopment Commission, 158 Conn. 364, 381 , 260 A.2d 596 (1969) (‘‘[w]hether or not the defendants acted . . . in good faith is a strongly contested genuine issue of material fact’’).

2025In so doing, the court overlooked the fact that whether good faith exists is a question of fact; see Bhatia v. Debek, 287 Conn. 397, 413 , 948 A.2d 1009 (2008); that the plaintiff here disputed.26 See, e.g., United Oil Co. v. Urban Redevelopment Commission, 158 Conn. 364, 381 , 260 A.2d 596 (1969) (‘‘[w]hether or not the defendants acted . . . in good faith is a strongly contested genuine issue of material fact’’).

11
Doe v. Salisbury Universitygreen
mdd · 2015 · cited in 1 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023The court reasoned that Maryland courts recognize a conditional privilege for statements ‘‘made in furtherance of [the victims’] legiti- mate interest in personal safety and the safety of those closest to [them].’’ Id., 758 ; see also id., 759 .

2023The court reasoned that Maryland courts recognize a conditional privilege for statements ‘‘made in furtherance of [the victims’] legiti- mate interest in personal safety and the safety of those closest to [them].’’ Id., 758 ; see also id., 759 .

11
Lester v. Powersgreen
me · 1991 · cited in 1 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See, e.g., Lester v. Powers, 596 A.2d 65, 70 (Me. 1991) (‘‘[w]e do not require clear and convincing evidence, however, to overcome a conditional privilege that arises at common law and not from the [f]irst [a]mendment’’); Reiter v. Manna, 436 Pa. Super. 192 , 198–99, 647 A.2d 562 (1994) (‘‘a private figure plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages unless he or she demonstrates actual malice by clear and convincing evidence’’); Deloach v. Beaufort Gazette, 281 S.C. 474, 480 , 316 S.E.2d 139 (‘‘[F]or actual damages in a libel action neither . . . [New York Times Co.] nor Gertz . . . require the

11
Charles Parker Co. v. Silver City Crystal Co.green
conn · 1955 · cited in 1 Connecticut opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
2 sentences

1995See generally Charles Parker Co. v. Silver City Crystal Co. , 142 Conn. 605 , 615 , 116 A.2d 440 (1955)." Miles v. Perry , supra, 11 Conn. App. 595 .

1995See generally Charles Parker Co. v. Silver City Crystal Co. , 142 Conn. 605 , 615 , 116 A.2d 440 (1955)." Miles v. Perry , supra, 11 Conn. App. 595 .

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Connecticut. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (15)

CaseCitedYears
United Oil Co. v. Urban Redevelopment Commission green
conn · 1969
2 sentences

2025In so doing, the court overlooked the fact that whether good faith exists is a question of fact; see Bhatia v. Debek, 287 Conn. 397, 413 , 948 A.2d 1009 (2008); that the plaintiff here disputed.26 See, e.g., United Oil Co. v. Urban Redevelopment Commission, 158 Conn. 364, 381 , 260 A.2d 596 (1969) (‘‘[w]hether or not the defendants acted . . . in good faith is a strongly contested genuine issue of material fact’’).

2025In so doing, the court overlooked the fact that whether good faith exists is a question of fact; see Bhatia v. Debek, 287 Conn. 397, 413 , 948 A.2d 1009 (2008); that the plaintiff here disputed.26 See, e.g., United Oil Co. v. Urban Redevelopment Commission, 158 Conn. 364, 381 , 260 A.2d 596 (1969) (‘‘[w]hether or not the defendants acted . . . in good faith is a strongly contested genuine issue of material fact’’).

12025–2025
Burton v. AMERCIAN LAWYER MEDIA, INC. green
conn · 2004
1 sentence

2024Id., 138 .

12024–2024
Reiter v. Manna green
pasuperct · 1994
2 sentences

2015See, e.g., Lester v. Powers, 596 A.2d 65, 70 (Me. 1991) (‘‘[w]e do not require clear and convincing evidence, however, to overcome a conditional privilege that arises at common law and not from the [f]irst [a]mendment’’); Reiter v. Manna, 436 Pa. Super. 192 , 198–99, 647 A.2d 562 (1994) (‘‘a private figure plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages unless he or she demonstrates actual malice by clear and convincing evidence’’); Deloach v. Beaufort Gazette, 281 S.C. 474, 480 , 316 S.E.2d 139 (‘‘[F]or actual damages in a libel action neither . . . [New York Times Co.] nor Gertz . . . require the

2015See, e.g., Lester v. Powers, 596 A.2d 65, 70 (Me. 1991) (‘‘[w]e do not require clear and convincing evidence, however, to overcome a conditional privilege that arises at common law and not from the [f]irst [a]mendment’’); Reiter v. Manna, 436 Pa. Super. 192 , 198–99, 647 A.2d 562 (1994) (‘‘a private figure plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages unless he or she demonstrates actual malice by clear and convincing evidence’’); Deloach v. Beaufort Gazette, 281 S.C. 474, 480 , 316 S.E.2d 139 (‘‘[F]or actual damages in a libel action neither . . . [New York Times Co.] nor Gertz . . . require the

12015–2015
Williams v. Coughlin green
scotus · 1984
1 sentence

2015For a private individual to recover punitive damages in a libel action, however, he must prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence.’’), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 981 , 105 S. Ct. 384 , 83 L.

12015–2015
Crowder v. Orr green
scotus · 1984
1 sentence

2015For a private individual to recover punitive damages in a libel action, however, he must prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence.’’), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 981 , 105 S. Ct. 384 , 83 L.

12015–2015
Beaufort Gazette v. DeLoach green
scotus · 1984
1 sentence

2015For a private individual to recover punitive damages in a libel action, however, he must prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence.’’), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 981 , 105 S. Ct. 384 , 83 L.

12015–2015
Deloach v. the Beaufort Gazette neutral
sc · 1984
2 sentences

2015See, e.g., Lester v. Powers, 596 A.2d 65, 70 (Me. 1991) (‘‘[w]e do not require clear and convincing evidence, however, to overcome a conditional privilege that arises at common law and not from the [f]irst [a]mendment’’); Reiter v. Manna, 436 Pa. Super. 192 , 198–99, 647 A.2d 562 (1994) (‘‘a private figure plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages unless he or she demonstrates actual malice by clear and convincing evidence’’); Deloach v. Beaufort Gazette, 281 S.C. 474, 480 , 316 S.E.2d 139 (‘‘[F]or actual damages in a libel action neither . . . [New York Times Co.] nor Gertz . . . require the

2015See, e.g., Lester v. Powers, 596 A.2d 65, 70 (Me. 1991) (‘‘[w]e do not require clear and convincing evidence, however, to overcome a conditional privilege that arises at common law and not from the [f]irst [a]mendment’’); Reiter v. Manna, 436 Pa. Super. 192 , 198–99, 647 A.2d 562 (1994) (‘‘a private figure plaintiff cannot recover punitive damages unless he or she demonstrates actual malice by clear and convincing evidence’’); Deloach v. Beaufort Gazette, 281 S.C. 474, 480 , 316 S.E.2d 139 (‘‘[F]or actual damages in a libel action neither . . . [New York Times Co.] nor Gertz . . . require the

12015–2015
Owen v. City of Independence green
scotus · 1980
1 sentence

1999If, instead, the grant of immunity is conditional or qualified then the court clearly has jurisdiction; Owen v. City of Independence , 445 U.S. 622 , 647 (1980); and, although the court expresses no opinion about the legal sufficiency of the plaintiff's complaint, assuming, arguendo, that it is sufficient, the defendants may, in turn, properly raise this conditional privilege as a special defense; Practice Book § 10-50 ; a defense that may defeat the plaintiff's claim upon a motion for summary judgment; Practice Book § 17-44 ; or at trial.

11999–1999
Gregory's, Inc. v. Haan green
sd · 1996
1 sentence

1998Id.

11998–1998
Charles W. Blakeslee & Sons v. Carroll green
conn · 1894
2 sentences

1996The plaintiff cites Blakeslee & Sons v. Carroll, 64 Conn. 223, 235 , 29 A. 473 (1894), for the proposition that “absolute immunity is not favored” and argues that only a conditional privilege should exist wherein the privilege could be lost if action is taken with malice, improper motive, or bad faith.

1996The plaintiff cites Blakeslee & Sons v. Carroll, 64 Conn. 223, 235 , 29 A. 473 (1894), for the proposition that “absolute immunity is not favored” and argues that only a conditional privilege should exist wherein the privilege could be lost if action is taken with malice, improper motive, or bad faith.

11996–1996
Proto v. Bridgeport Herald Corporation green
conn · 1950
2 sentences

1987Proto v. Bridgeport Herald Corporation, 136 Conn. 557, 564 , 72 A.2d 820 (1950).

1987Proto v. Bridgeport Herald Corporation, 136 Conn. 557, 564 , 72 A.2d 820 (1950).

11987–1987
Anderson v. Cowles green
· 1899
2 sentences

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

11972–1972
State v. Pape green
conn · 1916
2 sentences

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

11972–1972
Flanagan v. McLane green
conn · 1913
1 sentence

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

11972–1972
Dennehy v. O'Connell neutral
conn · 1895
2 sentences

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

1972State v. Pape, 90 Conn. 98 , 96 A. 313 ; Flanagan v. McLane, 87 Conn. 220, 87 A. 727 ; Anderson v. Cowles, 72 Conn. 335 , 44 A. 477 ; Dennehy v. O’Connell, 66 Conn. 175 , 33 A. 920 ; 50 Am.

11972–1972

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CT § Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-196a (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 110 (1942–2026) MA 71 (1938–2025) LA 52 (1958–2021) PA 52 (1964–2024) TX 50 (1943–2022) ME 49 (1917–2024) IL 48 (1968–2022) MD 46 (1957–2026) NY 45 (1876–2025) GA 35 (1950–2025) WI 35 (1914–2025) AZ 22 (1968–2022) WA 21 (1975–2026) CT 19 (1972–2025) VA 19 (1941–2026) MI 17 (1959–2020) NJ 16 (1956–2017) AL 15 (1968–2004) UT 14 (1951–2025) AK 13 (1978–2014) NC 12 (1954–2026) OR 12 (1896–2000) OH 12 (1927–2026) NV 11 (1983–2022) MN 10 (1980–2010) NM 10 (1961–2024) KS 10 (1915–2022) OK 9 (1990–2018) DE 9 (1965–2019) CO 8 (1925–2026) SD 8 (1945–2025) IN 6 (1881–1997) FL 5 (1962–2002) MO 5 (1964–2007) VT 5 (1990–2026) NH 4 (1979–1998) WV 4 (1914–2022) SC 4 (1981–2023) ID 4 (1933–1990) WY 4 (1937–2018) HI 4 (1972–2016) NE 3 (1920–2001) ND 2 (1993–1995) AR 2 (1958–1964) TN 2 (2002–2020) MT 2 (1966–1999)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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