Poledna v. Bendix Aviation Corp.

Plaintiff Robert Poledna brought a libel and slander action against defendants Bendix Aviation Corporation and Walter Bare for certain allegations of theft made against him. After trial before Berrien county circuit court, the jury returned a verdict of $10,000 “past damage” and $2,500 “punitive” damage. The trial judge denied motions for judgment non obstante veredicto and new trial, and entered judgment.

Defendants appeal, claiming various errors in relation to the judge’s charge, that the jury award of damages was not supported by any testimony, and that defendant corporation may not be…