Opinion ID: 1590463
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Was the jury's verdict supported by substantial evidence?

Text: Bantz first contends there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of defamation. The altered photograph showing Kiesau standing with her K-9 dog in front of her sheriff's vehicle in uniform with her breasts exposed could be reasonably understood to attack the integrity and moral character of Kiesau. Substantial evidence existed to support finding the altered photograph was libelous per se. Once the jury found the altered photograph was libelous per se, the law conclusively presumed the existence of damages to Kiesau's reputation from the publication and allowed the jury to award substantial damages without proving actual damage to her reputation. See Schlegel, 585 N.W.2d at 222. In addition to damages to Kiesau's reputation, she is also entitled to damages for the actual injury inflicted by the libelous statement including personal humiliation, mental anguish and suffering, and the out-of-pocket costs for treating those conditions. See id. at 222-23. The jury awarded Kiesau $96,000 in compensatory damages for emotional distress, past mental pain and suffering, future mental pain and suffering, past medical expenses, and future medical expenses. The medical testimony at trial indicated Kiesau experienced personal humiliation together with mental anguish and suffering. Her psychologist diagnosed her as having an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood caused by the publication of the altered photograph. The medical testimony also substantiates the necessity for treatment of these conditions in the future. There was substantial evidence in the record to support the jury's verdict for compensatory damages. Bantz also complains about the $60,000 award of punitive damages against him by the jury. The evidence showed Bantz published the altered photograph for approximately ten months. He continued to publish the altered photograph in spite of the negative reaction he received from the persons who saw it. At times, he electronically mailed the altered photograph anonymously. Substantial evidence supports the jury's finding that Bantz's actions constituted a willful and wanton disregard for the rights of Kiesau. Under these circumstances, an award of $60,000 in punitive damages does not shock the judicial conscience. See Kelly v. Iowa State Educ. Ass'n, 372 N.W.2d 288, 302 (Iowa Ct.App.1985).