Liberman v. Gelstein, 605 N.E.2d 344 (N.Y. 1992)

            Certain statements that are defamatory are considered privileges. Some privileges are absolute—that is, no matter how they are abused, they still apply. Absolute privileges apply to judges, legislators, and executive branch officials speaking during their official duties. Other privileges are qualified—defendants lose the privilege if they abuse it. One such privilege, the common interest privilege, applies to a limited class of people with whom the defendant shares an interest. The next two cases deal with the scope of this privilege—and with how a defendant may lose it.