Court Opinion

ID: 9543117
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:42:19.222599+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:09:43.411846
License: Public Domain

COLINS, Judge,
concurring.
I concur with the majority in their conclusion that the remarks by the Mayor, in the instant matter, were absolutely privileged pursuant to Pennsylvania law. However, I would like to further indicate that the term “deadbeats,” if not accurately applied, is clearly defamatory. Furthermore, the unfortunate use of the term “tax cheats” clearly implies criminal conduct. In the instant matter, the record is entirely devoid of even a scintilla of evidence that the Factors engaged in criminal conduct.
I would like to express my personal belief that the legislature should reconsider its granting of absolute immunity to public officials when they engage in conduct whereby, for the benefit of the media, they wantonly accuse citizens of criminal acts when no evidence exists to support such conclusions.