Case Name: Aspenwall v. Whitemore
Court: Connecticut Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Decision Date: 1792-03
Citations: 1 Root 408
Docket Number: 
Parties: Aspenwall v. Whitemore.
Judges: 
Reporter: Connecticut Reports
Volume: 1
Pages: 408–408

Head Matter:
Aspenwall v. Whitemore.
Parol evidence not admissible to prove the contents of a libelous writing.
Action of the case for saying that the plaintiff was a thief and had stolen his timber and for writing and publishing a certain advertisement, therein charging the plaintiff with having stolen from him, and offering a reward to any person who would take up and secure the plaintiff that he might be brought to justice. Plea — Not guilty. Issue to the court.
Parol evidence was offered to prove the contents of said libelous writing.

Opinion:
By the court
The writing must be produced, parol evidence not admissible to prove the contents, unless it is lost or destroyed or is in the hands of the defendant.