Winston Johnson v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. appeals the denial of its motion for a new trial after a jury verdict finding that Barnes & Noble falsely imprisoned Winston Johnson. The jury awarded Johnson $117,000 for emotional pain and mental anguish. Barnes & Noble argues that it is entitled to a new trial because the district court erroneously refused to instruct the jury with Barnes & Noble’s proposed jury instruction on breach of the peace. Barnes & Noble also argues that the jury award of $117,000 was excessive.

BACKGROUND

Johnson’s lawsuit arose from an incident at a Barnes & Noble store while he was…