Aldridge v. State

This is a criminal libel suit.

The indictment charged that appellant did unlawfully and maliciously make, publish and circulate a malicious printed statement of and concerning and affecting the reputation of William B. Deaderick.

Appellant was tried before County Judge Gerald K. Fugit, a jury trial having resulted in a conviction with punishment assessed at 9 months in jail.

The statement was alleged to have been made, published and circulated on or about April 4, 1959. Judge Fugit took office as county judge some 32 days earlier.

The overruling of appellant’s motion to disqualify Judge Fugit is…