The appeal is dismissed.

The grounds of appeal are examined.

Examining the record in light of the relevant legal principles, the court below’s finding the Defendant guilty of the violation of the Public Official Election Act by slandering the candidate among the facts charged in the instant case on its grounds as stated in its reasoning is acceptable. In so doing, contrary to the allegations in the grounds of appeal, there were no errors by misapprehending the legal principles on “defensive” or “non-election” as provided in the main sentence of Article 251 of the Public Official Election Act or by misapprehending the legal principles on the grounds of illegality under Article 251 proviso.

Therefore, the appeal is dismissed. It is so decided as per Disposition by the assent of all participating Justices on the bench.