Rudy stipulated all of the elements of defamation, but reserved the right to assert his statements were constitutionally protected. He also reserved the right to contest causation, i.e., that his statements didn't damage the Plaintiffs. Statute of limitations too.
His failure to produce discovery wiped away all those defenses. The trial will just be the Plaintiffs stating how much they have been damaged. $$$$$$$
I hadn't read the stipulation until now. I don't see how that's arguendo at all. Arguendo is I had the green light, not plaintiff, but even assuming, arguendo, that I was at fault at the stoplight, Plaintiff's arm was broken after the accident in a fight he had with a 3rd party, so I am not liable for the broken arm.
Rudy's stip is for this lawsuit only, I admit I red light and caused the accident. Arguendo is not an admission. Rudy's is an admission he did it.