To win a defamation case, public officials and public figures must prove—with clear and convincing evidence—that the speaker or writer knew what they were saying was false, or published the statement with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity. (See Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.2911(6) (2025).)
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.
Libel is a statement (of fact) which is false in some material respect and is communicated to a third person by printing / writing / signs / pictures and has a tendency to harm a person's reputation. The words in parentheses should be used if the alleged defamatory statement is one of pure fact.
(11) The period of limitations is 1 year for an action charging libel or slander.
In general, pursuing a defamation lawsuit may be worthwhile if: The defamatory statement(s) are demonstrably false and have caused significant harm to your reputation or career. You have strong evidence to support your claim. The potential damages are substantial enough to justify the costs and risks of litigation.
Defamation in Michigan is defined as causing harm to a person or business' reputation by words communicated to a third party that are meant to degrade, humiliate, incite hatred or contempt toward a person or business.
(11) The period of limitations is 1 year for an action charging libel or slander.
The elements of slander of title are (1) the publication of a false statement and (2) doing so with malice or desire/intent to injure the plaintiff.
Address It Directly: If appropriate, consider confronting the person spreading the slander. Approach them calmly and express how their words have affected you. Sometimes, a direct conversation can resolve misunderstandings. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or colleagues about the situation.
“The elements of a defamation claim are: (1) a false and defamatory statement concerning the plaintiff, (2) an unprivileged communication to a third party, (3) fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher, and (4) either actionability of the statement irrespective of special harm (defamation per ...