Appleby v. Daily Hampshire Gazette

In 1981 and 1982, Kenneth A. Appleby commenced approximately ninety-four separate actions, alleg ing that various newspapers, radio and television stations, and individuals had made false and defamatory statements about him. The statements concerned a criminal investigation which culminated in Appleby’s convictions for assault and battery, rape, and kidnapping. See Commonwealth v. Appleby, 389 Mass. 359, cert. denied, 464 U.S. 941 (1983); Commonwealth v. Appleby, 380 Mass. 296 (1980). A judge of the Superior Court entered final summary judgment on behalf of four of the newspapers: the Daily…