Opinion ID: 2225006
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The trial court also entered an award for punitive damages. We have said:

Text: An award for punitive damages is appropriate when a party acts with actual or legal malice. Actual malice is shown by such things as personal spite, hatred, or ill will. Legal malice is established by showing wrongful conduct committed with a willful or reckless disregard for the rights of another. More than mere negligence must be shown. Barnhouse v. Hawkeye State Bank, 406 N.W.2d 181, 184 (Iowa 1987) (citations omitted). We agree with the court of appeals in disallowing the punitive damage claim. The evidence does not support a finding of either actual or legal malice. Certainly there was no showing of spite, hatred or ill will on the part of Donohue. Hence there was no actual malice. Neither do we think there was evidence of a willful or wanton disregard for George's rights. The record supports no more than a finding of negligence. We have considered Donohue's other assignments of error and find them without merit. Costs are taxed one-half to George and one-half to Donohue. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED; DISTRICT COURT JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART AND REMANDED.