Norris v. Hathaway

Irwin, Judge.

INTRODUCTION

Neal F. Norris appeals the judgment of the district court for Douglas County dismissing his petition with prejudice following a bench trial. Regarding Norris’ action for defamation, the district court generally concluded that Mary Jane Hathaway’s statements were not defamatory per se and that Norris had failed to prove his damages by a preponderance of the evidence. For the reasons stated below, we reverse, and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

The facts in the case before us are largely undisputed. Hathaway and Norris were…