Getchell V. Auto Bar Systems Northwest Inc‪.‬

This is an action in slander. Plaintiffs, seeking damages, alleged defendants wrongfully made statements imputing that plaintiff Robert Getchell was guilty of criminal conduct and the inability to meet business commitments. As a defense, defendants asserted truth and absolute or qualified privilege. Following trial and the overruling of defendants' motions for dismissal or directed verdict, the cause was submitted to the jury which returned a verdict awarding plaintiffs $15,000 general damages. In denying defendants' post trial motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or in the alternative for new trial, the trial judge reduced the verdict to $10,000. Plaintiffs consented to the reduction and judgment was so entered. Defendants appeal.