Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Date unavailable
Dale R. Ludwig vs. Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Association, and Foundation for Soy Innovation
Dale R. Ludwig sued the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Association, and Foundation for Soy Innovation for malicious prosecution and civil conspiracy. This appeal followed the trial court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the respondents. The appellate court affirmed, holding that the respondents had probable cause to bring the underlying lawsuit against Ludwig based on an independent forensic report, thereby negating an essential element of Ludwig's malicious prosecution claim. The court also noted Ludwig's significant appellate briefing deficiencies but exercised its discretion to review the merits ex gratia.