Defining Defamation in Michigan In short, the offended party must prove a defamatory statement was made within one year of when the statement was made, why it is false, and if the statement is defamatory and the plaintiff seeks damages based on the per se or pro quod standards.
Malicious falsehood is defined as a false statement that is made maliciously (intentionally with knowledge of its falsehood, or with reckless disregard for the truth). When malicious falsehood occurs, it can give rise to a civil lawsuit for either libel or slander.
This type of claim is often proven by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker who can best explain to the jury how person's emotional distress after an accident has impacted their life. A person who can no longer participate in hobbies and activities has a denial of social pleasures and enjoyment.
(7) An action for libel or slander shall not be brought based upon a communication involving a private individual unless the defamatory falsehood concerns the private individual and was published negligently. Recovery under this provision shall be limited to economic damages including attorney fees.
Intentional infliction of emotional distress is a common law tort in Michigan. This tort focuses on the extreme or outrageous conduct; it is not that the defendant acted with an intent which is tortious or even criminal, or that he intended to inflict emotional distress, or even that the conduct is malicious.
The tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress has four elements: (1) the defendant must act intentionally or recklessly; (2) the defendant's conduct must be extreme and outrageous; and (3) the conduct must be the cause (4) of severe emotional distress.
This text presents seven intentional torts: assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trespass to land, trespass to chattels, and conversion.
In short, the offended party must prove a defamatory statement was made within one year of when the statement was made, why it is false, and if the statement is defamatory and the plaintiff seeks damages based on the per se or pro quod standards.