Question

During a heated legislative debate, Representative Peony makes a statement of fact damaging Senator Rose’s good reputation. Peony knows the statement is not true. In this situation, Peony is most likely a. liable for defamation. b. not liable for defamation because only Rose’s reputation was hurt. c. not liable for defamation because Peony enjoys a privilege. d. not liable for defamation because nobody listens to such debates.

Answer 1

Answer:The answer is c not liable for defamation because Peony enjoys a privilege

Explanation:

The legislators while leading a debate on the floor of the legislative house usually enjoys a form of immunity known as absolute immunity which protect them from being prosecuted for whatever statement they made while on the floor of the legislative house. This immunity from prosecution for statement made on the floor of the house is given in order to ensure that their prosecution do not affect the smooth process of operations of the house. Therefore, the statement made by representative Peony which damaged senator Rose good reputation cannot be contested in the court of law because of the immunity which representative Peony enjoys which protect him from being prosecuted for statement he made during a debate on the floor of the house.