United States Sixth Circuit

In a suit alleging libel, slander, and related claims brought against defendant, counsel hired by a bankruptcy trustee to investigate certain transfers from a bankrupt husband to his wife pursuant to their legal separation, judgment for defendant is affirmed where: 1) there was no error in denying a motion to abstain; 2) plaintiff's failure to offer evidence supporting allegation that defendant's actions were prompted by improper motives was insufficient to undermine the application of the Barton doctrine; and 3) defendant was entitled to immunity for both his judicial and extrajudicial statements.

Appellate Information

• Decided 07/06/2006
• Published 07/06/2006

Judges

• Before:  GILMAN, SUTTON, and COOK, Circuit judges.

Court

• United States Sixth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:  Bryan N. Coomer, Louisville, Kentucky, for Appellant.   Carl D. Frederick, Seiller Waterman, Louisville, Kentucky, for Appellees.   ON BRIEF:  Bryan N. Coomer, Louisville, Kentucky, for Appellant.  Carl D. Frederick, Paul J. Hershberg, Seiller Waterman, Louisville, Kentucky, for Appellees.