Opinion
(October Term, 1802.)
In an action of slander, the defendant may, under the pleas of the general issue and justification, prove the defendant's character to be a bad one in mitigation of damages, but shall not be allowed to prove any particular act.
THIS was an action for words; and the defendant pleaded the general issue and justification.
The defendant may give in evidence that the plaintiff's character is a bad one, in mitigation of damages; but he shall not be allowed to prove any particular act.
Evidence of reputation was given accordingly, and the jury found for the plaintiff, but gave only sixpence damages, owing, as I suppose, to the evidence aforesaid.
NOTE. — See Nelson v. Evans, 12 N.C. 9.
Cited: Goodbread v. Ledbetter, 18 N.C. 13.