Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 September 1901 — FACTS AND OPINIONS [ARTICLE]

FACTS AND OPINIONS

B*toor« of the Stenographer. A decision as to what constitutes a libelous “publication” in contemplation of law has recently been handed down by the Maryland court of appeals, which should lead persons employing private amanuenses and stenographers to use great care as to the subject matter of a dictated letter, says the Baltimore American. According to this decision, the first Judicial deliverance of a state court of last resort deciding the precise point, the publication of a letter dictated and typewritten containing libelous matter is legally complete, although its contents have not been made known to any person other than the stenographer. The court ruled: ‘Neither the prevalence of any business customs or methods nor the pressure of business which compels resort to stenographic assistance can make that legal which is illegal, nor make that innocent which would otherwise be actionable. Nor can the fact that the stenographer is under contractual or moral obligation to regard all his employer’s communications as confidential alter the reason of the matter.” Under the ruling publicity within the meaning and intent of the libel law of Maryland fs sufficiently accomplished when the objectionable matter is dictated to the stenographer. The libel. Is “published” under such circumstances as fully for the legal purposes as though It were printed In a newspaper and published broadcast. No case presenting the same facts appears to have been before the courts of any other state for adjudication. In view of the universal use of stenog-' raphers as confidential secretaries, it is important that the decision should be widely published'.— Pittsburg Diepatch.