Cates v. Barb

RAPER, Justice.

In a slander of title action, the trial judge, following trial without a jury, awarded Ken Barb, appellee, $5,000 punitive damages but no actual damages against E. C. Cates, appellant. The issue is whether punitive damages can be granted in the absence of actual damages.

We will reverse the award of punitive damages.

Appellee purchased and subdivided into 10-acre lots, 1,440 acres of land in Converse County, located two and one-half miles from Bill, Wyoming. The subdivision was designated Kenbar Estates. Appellant, a real estate broker, and appellee entered into a listing…