Spradlin's Market, Inc. v. Springfield Newspapers, Inc.

STOCKARD, Commissioner.

Plaintiff has appealed from a judgment in favor of defendant in its action for libel in which actual and punitive damages totaling $250,000 were sought.

Defendant published in its newspapers two articles, the first of which appeared in the “Springfield Leader & Press” on October 1, 1956, and was as follows:

“Spradlin, Four Others Face $775 in Penalties Orders Permanent Injunction Against Former Fruit Dealer

“Federal Judge R. Jasper Smith this morning issued a permanent injunction against Richard B. Spradlin, former Commercial Street fruit dealer, and four other members of…