Beckley v. Harris

An appeal from an order granting a new trial. An action for slander was brought by appellant in which a jury returned a verdict against respondent in the sum of $2,000.

The latter moved for a new trial on several grounds, among which were that the evidence was insufficient to justify the verdict, that the damages awarded were excessive and the verdict given under the influence of passion and prejudice. An order denying the motion was entered as follows: The motion for a new trial coming on for hearing, the court stated that if plaintiff will consent to reduce the verdict to $500 as punitive…