Johnson v. Beneficial Finance Co.

This was an action for conversion of plaintiff’s personal property. Plaintiff recovered a large verdict for punitive as well as compensatory damages against defendant Beneficial Finance Company. Beneficial appeals. The only issue on appeal is based upon the court’s refusal to withdraw the question of punitive damages.

Plaintiff and his wife had borrowed from defendant and had given a mortgage on an automobile and certain household goods to secure the debt. Plaintiff defaulted. Because of a 'separation from his wife, the goods were stored in a private garage building. In addition to the…