Foster v. Laredo Newspapers, Inc.

I respectfully dissent. John Foster was a public official when the article in question was published and actual malice was an essential element of the libel action. I cannot improve upon these reasons which are expressed by the opinion in the court of civil appeals:

It is undisputed from the record that (a) Foster is the public surveyor of Webb County, (b) such office is an elective office provided for under the laws of this state, (e) Foster’s name has appeared on the public ballot in Webb County on numerous occasions, and he has been elected to such office by the voters of Webb County on…