Dr$.$ Springer tried unsuccessfully for over a year to collect a $$5,000$ debt from Byrd$,$ one of his patients, a prominent citizen of the community, for services rendered. One evening at a dinner party, Springer casually mentioned to several of his business friends, including the president of the local bank, that he had not been able to collect the overdue debt from Byrd$.$ As a result, Byrd was denied a personal loan he had applied for at the bank. Byrd sued Springer claiming that Springer$$s remark was slanderous and that Springer owes him damages.

$1.$ What is $($are$)$ the legal issue$($s$)?(1)$

$2.$ What is the legal tests $($rule of law$)$ used by the courts? $(1)$

$3.$ Develop a logical argument for the plaintiff, applying the rule of law to the facts $(1)$

$4.$ Develop a logical argument for the defendant, applying the rule of law to the facts $(1)$

$5.$ State who you think is likely to win and why. $(1)$