Hickey v. Settlemier
Oregon Supreme Court
864 P.2d 372 (1993)
- Written by Angela Patrick, JD
Facts
James Hickey (plaintiff) sued his godmother, Merthal Settlemier (defendant), for defamation, i.e., making a false statement that harms someone. One of Hickey’s claims was that Settlemier had told a television-news reporter that Hickey was mistreating animals and dealing in stolen pets. Settlemier moved for summary judgment, swearing under oath that she had never made the statement. Hickey responded with a videotape of a reporter claiming that Settlemier had made the statement to the reporter. The trial court granted summary judgment, dismissing the defamation claim. Hickey appealed. The appellate court reversed the trial court’s summary-judgment ruling and remanded the case for trial. Settlemier then appealed that ruling to the Oregon Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Peterson, J.)
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