Opinion ID: 1842526
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statements made during judicial proceedings.

Text: As to statements made during judicial proceedings, the Wisconsin rule is that defamatory words published or spoken by parties, witnesses and counsel are absolutely privileged when the statements bear a proper relationship to the issues. [4] Thus judicial officers, acting in the exercise of their jurisdiction are exempt from civil liability irrespective of the existence of malice. [5] A public prosecutor acting in his official capacity is absolutely privileged to initiate or continue criminal proceedings. [6] Witnesses in judicial proceedings are immune from civil liability for damages caused by false and malicious testimony, if relevant to the issues in the matter where the testimony is given. [7] Likewise, parties and counsel are immune from liability for relevant statements in pleadings and otherwise in the course of judicial proceedings. [8] This absolute privilege as to statements made during judicial proceedings has been summarized to be: Parties to judicial proceedings are absolutely exempt from responsibility for libel on the ground of privilege for any defamatory matter published in the course of judicial proceedings, subject to the possible qualification that such defamatory matter is pertinent or relevant to the case. . . . [9]