The Iowa Freedom of Information Council argues that damages shouldn’t be permitted in libel cases that involve non-media defendants and where there’s been no showing of reputational harm. (Photo via Getty Images)
The Iowa Freedom of Information Council is arguing against the award of damages in a libel case where the plaintiffs showed no evidence of harm to their reputation.
In June 2021, a Polk County jury awarded $8 million to a Polk County man and his daughter in a defamation case against their neighbor, former Des Moines lawyer Jaysen McCleary. The plaintiffs had alleged McCleary had wrongfully claimed the man sexually molested his own daughter…