Scottish Court of Session Decisions

Subject_1 DECISIONS of the LORDS OF COUNCIL AND SESSION. reported by Alexander Tait, Clerk Of Session, one of the reporters for the faculty.
Subject_2 REPARATION

Scotlands
v.
Thomson

Date: 8 August 1776

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In an action for damages, Scotlands against Mr James Thomson, minister of Dumfermline, on account of defamation from the pulpit, accusing them of betraying their party in the burgh, receiving bribes, &c.; the Lords pronounced this interlocutor:—“20th December 1775, In respect of the improper conduct of the defender, Mr James Thomson, unsuitable to the character of a minister of the gospel, contrary to the decency, dignity, and purity of the pulpit, and highly injurious to the pursuers, Find the said Mr James Thomson liable to the pursuers in damages and expenses, of which ordain a condescendance and account to be given in; and in this case refuse to allow a proof of the alleged veritas convicii.”

And this day, 8th August 1776, they adhered, modifying the expenses to fifty guineas; and as to damages, “in respect of the behaviour of Robert Scotland, giving him only L.5 of damages, to the other two jointly L.25.