This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Griffith wrote a story on unwanted children, which Belo published in its Dallas Morning News. Bond (P) read the story and contacted Griffith. This led to an interview in P’s home. P told Griffith of the child she had adopted and the experiences they had in trying to locate the biological parents and brothers. P showed Griffith a legal size envelope crammed with pictures, birth records, and newspaper clippings and stories. By mutual agreement, Griffith took the envelope with her to help in writing another story. The envelope and its contents disappeared. P sued for damages. The parties stipulated that the actual value of the lost papers was $2,500 but that the sentimental value to P was greater than the actual value. The court then discharged the jury and awarded P $2,500. P appealed.

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