1.Sam Stint lives in Midville, a town in which there are six used car dealers. All six of the dealers belong to a statewide organization of used car dealers called DORC (Dealers of Recycled Cars), which has a total of 200 members throughout the state.

In looking for a late-model, low-mileage automobile costing no more than $750, Sam went to each of the six local dealers. Each told Sam that what he was looking for was not available, and each suggested instead that he look at late-model, low mileage cars costing from $5,000 to $10,000. Sam was outraged.

Sam wrote a letter to the editor of the town newspaper saying, in part, "The DORC members in Midville are thieves. They are cheaters. They try to steal your money. They are totally dishonest. You shouldn't buy cars from them. (Signed: Sam Stint.)" The newspaper printed the letter. The six local car dealers had their car sales drop by 50 percent or more during the two months after the letter was printed.

All six of the businesses sued for libel.

The businesses have contacted your firm to defend them.Do they have a case? What could Sam Stint's defense be?