Ross v. Columbia Newspapers, Inc.

Littlejohn, Justice.

Plaintiff brought this action for libel against defendant Columbia Newspapers, alleging that two articles appearing-in defendant’s newspaper falsely imputed the commission of a crime to him. At the conclusion of all the evidence, the trial judge directed a verdict for defendant. Plaintiff has appealed. We affirm the lower court.

Plaintiff alleged that the two articles published by defendant on September 20 and 21, 1971, were libelous per se, in that they falsely stated that he was being held by police, had been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill, was…