Stevens v. Sun News

Ness, Justice:

The appellants, two newspaper companies, are defendants in a libel action instituted by the plaintiff-respondent, James P. Stevens. Appellants moved for a change of venue, contending that due to the notoriety and political influence of the plaintiff and several of his associates, who will likely testify during the trial of the case, a fair and impartial trial could not be conducted in Horry County. Additionally, appellants argue that a letter, written by respondent in reply to the allegedly libelous article and published in another local newspaper, requires a change of venue.…