Beeson v. H. W. Gossard Co.

The court did not commit error, as. contended by appellant, in refusing appellant’s request at the close of the evidence to direct a verdict of not guilty. In an action for a libel, it is always a question of law for the court, in the first instance, whether or not the proved publication of the defendant is libelous. If such publication of the defendant is not susceptible of a libelous meaning, there is no question for the consideration of the jury and a verdict of not guilty should be directed by the court. Where the whole publication is susceptible of only one meaning and is libelous per…