Hodgins v. Times Herald Co.

Defendant Times Herald Company (hereinafter defendant) appeals as of right from a jury verdict of $130,000 in favor of plaintiffs in plaintiffs’ libel action against defendant. Plaintiffs appeal separately from the denial of their motion to amend the judgment to hold defendant liable for an additional $70,000 in exemplary damages.

Plaintiffs, Fred and Jan Hodgins, husband and wife, are joint owners of Hodgins Kennels in St. Clair County. Plaintiffs incorporated Hodgins Kennels in 1982, with each plaintiff owning fifty percent of the stock; prior to 1982 plaintiffs operated the kennel as a…