Libel award for Burnett cut by California judge

A judge has cut in half entertainer Carol Burnett's $1.6 million libel award from the National Enquirer, but he flayed the publication for what he called "legalized pandering."

Superior Court Judge Peter S. Smith ruled the award was excessive and reduced general damages to Miss Burnett from $300,000 to $50,000 and cut the $1.3 million punitive damage award to $750,000.

Barry Langberg, Miss Burnett's attorney, accepted the reduced award and the judge denied a request fro m the Enquirer for a new trial.