Wiegel v. Capital Times Co.

Joseph Wiegel appeals from a summary judgment dismissing his libel action against The Capital Times Company, publisher of a Madison daily newspaper, The Capital Times. The newspaper cross-appeals from orders denying its motions (a) for partial summary judgment, (b) to dismiss WiegeTs claim for punitive damages, and (c) to strike portions of affidavits submitted by Wiegel in response to the summary judgment motions.

The dispositive issue is whether Wiegel may be considered a "public figure” with respect to a contro versy involving pollution of a Wisconsin lake, and thus able to recover damages…