Case ID: del-cas_2/html/0139-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "'Per Curiam.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

THOMAS ELLIGOOD v. JAMES ONEAL.
    Court of Common Pleas. Sussex.
    November 27, 1800.
    
      Rodney’s Notes.
      
    
    
      
      Bayard, Bidgely, Vining [for plaintiff]. Wilson, D. Hall [for defendant].
    
      Wilson.
    
    Calling a man a rogue not actionable; the words laid in declaration not actionable.
    
      Bayard.
    
    1 Del.Laws 346, I conceive the words, “you are a rogue,” actionable by our laws and may be taken up and put in the workhouse as vagabonds etc. in 4 Bl.Comm. 169.
    
      
       This case is also reported in Wilson’s Red Book, 318.
      
    
   'Per Curiam.

The words “you are a harborer of thieves” is actionable. As to the words “you are a rogue,” the law here is the same as in England, and only actionable as to whom and the manner in which it is applied.

Verdict for plaintiff, fifty cents damages.