Smith v. Holley

OPINION

PEEPLES, Justice.

Lonnie Smith appeals a judgment based on a jury finding that he defamed Jeannette Holley by allowing a prospective employer to review documents concerning her and by discussing her job performance. The jury awarded Holley $500,000 in actual damages, and a like amount in punitive damages based on a finding that Smith acted with malice. The trial court disregarded the malice finding and rendered judgment on the verdict for the actual damages. Smith appeals on seventeen points of error. In one cross-point, Holley appeals the denial of punitive damages. We reverse and…