Henry I. Stukuls, Appellant v. State of New York, Respondent

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division, holding that the acting president of a State university college is not entitled to absolute privilege in a defamation suit and that the claim should be reinstated and remanded for discovery. Justice Wachtler dissented, arguing that absolute privilege should apply, while Justice Jones concurred, emphasizing the qualified privilege analysis for rumors.