Weaver v. Pryor Jeffersonian

SIMMS, Justice.

Appellant commenced a libel action in the court below predicated upon a “letter to the editor” printed in appellee newspaper. The alleged defamatory publication occurred while appellant was embroiled in what the parties describe as a “bitterly contested” run-off primary election for nomination to the office of Sheriff of Mayes County, Oklahoma.

Appellees moved for summary judgment after depositions had been taken and the pleadings formed. The trial judge sustained appellee’s request for summary judgment for the reasons that appellant was a “public figure” within the meaning of…