Barr v. Matteo, 355 U.S. 171 (1957)

Barr v. Matteo


No. 409


Decided December 9, 1957
355 U.S. 171

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT

Syllabus

The petition for certiorari in this case presents the question of absolute immunity of government officials from defamation suits. A narrower question, the defense of qualified privilege, had been urged in the District Court and the Court of Appeals, but not considered by the Court of Appeals on the ground that it had been waived.

Held: certiorari is granted, the judgment of the Court of Appeals is vacated, and the case is remanded to that court with directions to consider the defense of qualified privilege. Pp. 171-173.

244 F.2d 767, judgment vacated and case remanded.