Lulay v. Peoria Journal-Star, Inc.

This is an appeal from a judgment of the circuit court of Peoria County in an action for libel. The plaintiff Robert Lulay obtained a jury verdict for $150,000 ($60,000 in compensatory damages plus $90,000 in punitive damages) against the Peoria Journal-Star, Inc. Judgment was entered against defendant upon the verdict. The defendant appealed directly to this court claiming State and Federal constitutional questions. The defendant contends that the trial court’s rejection of the defense of privilege to report governmental affairs and denial of the right to publish substantial truth violated…