Opinion ID: 200021
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: 50 We summarize succinctly. We hold, as did the court below, that the amended complaint states no cognizable claim for relief under federal law. The complaint does, however, state a potential claim for defamation under Maine law, as the challenged statement may falsely have implied that Richard had a reasonable basis for suspecting Garrett of the theft. Thus, the district court erred in granting Radio Shack's motion to dismiss the defamation claim. See Haworth v. Feigon, 623 A.2d 150, 156 (Me. 1993) (holding that a determination of the context in which a defamatory statement is delivered generally entails a question of fact); see also Fortier v. Int'l Bhd. of Elec. Workers, Local 2327, 605 A.2d 79, 80 (Me.1992) (explaining that a court only should dismiss a defamation claim as resting on non-actionable opinion when the challenged statement is incapable of a defamatory interpretation). 51 We need go no further. For the reasons stated above, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. In view of the changed circumstances, the appellant is free, on remand, not only to pursue count 3 of the amended complaint but also to seek reinstatement of count 2. 52 Affirmed in part; reversed in part; remanded. No costs.