Defamation

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: James Kroeger v. Bob Mott

Case No.: 2015AP556

Officials: Stark, P.J., Hruz and Seidl, JJ.

Focus: Defamation

James Kroeger appeals an order granting Bob Mott’s motion for summary judgment in this defamation action. The parties agree the alleged defamatory statements, which were contained in an email from Mott directed to the Oneida County Planning and Development Committee, were

protected by a conditional privilege, such that Mott established a prima facie case for summary judgment. However, Kroeger argues he is entitled to a trial on his defamation claim either because Mott abused the privilege as a matter of law or because there are disputed factual issues regarding such abuse. We reject Kroeger’s arguments and affirm.

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Attorney Derek A. Hawkins is the managing partner at Hawkins Law Offices LLC, where he heads up the firm’s startup law practice. He specializes in business formation, corporate governance, intellectual property protection, private equity and venture capital funding and mergers & acquisitions. Check out the website at www.hawkins-lawoffices.com or contact them at 262-737-8825.[/box]