Defamed on the Wildwood Boardwalk

Ah, the Jersey shore with its seaside boardwalks filled with games, rides, and fun foods.   And apparently tortious behavior.

In Senna v. Florimant (pdf), the owner of a Wildwood boardwalk game of chance sued a competitor for defamation and tortious interference with business.   The defendant's employees told boardwalk customers (over a loudspeaker system) that the plaintiff was a "crook," and "dishonest," and that the plaintiff would not honor prize tickets.  In a decision released yesterday, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that the defendant was not entitled to the heightened actual-malice standard applied to speech involving public figures.   

(Via Legal Profession Blog).

- SBS