Bunton v. Bentley

OPINION ON REMAND

JAMES T. WORTHEN, Chief Justice.

Bascom Bentley, III, a district judge in Anderson and Cherokee Counties, sued Joe Ed Bunton and Jackie Gates for defamation. The jury found in favor of Bentley. Against Bunton, the jury assessed $150,000.00 in damages to Bentley’s character and reputation, $7,000,000.00 in past mental anguish, and $1,000,000.00 in exemplary damages. Against Gates, the jury assessed $95,000.00 in actual damages and $50,000.00 in exemplary damages. On original submission, we affirmed the judgment against Bunton but rendered a take-nothing judgment in favor of…