Chonich v. Ford
Michigan Court of Appeals
321 N.W.2d 693, 115 Mich. App. 461 (1982)
Facts
At a meeting of the Wayne County Community College board of trustees, Ford (defendant), a member of the board of trustees, read from an anonymously written letter that Chonich (plaintiff) and others had received large home mortgages after transferring college funds to a particular bank. Ford’s reading of the letter was not part of any official agenda item at the board’s meeting and not part of any disciplinary proceeding. Chonich filed a defamation lawsuit against Ford, arguing that the statement was false and read during a public meeting in reckless disregard for the truth. Ford filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that Ford’s statements were entitled to absolute privilege because a board member made the statements during a quasi-legislative board meeting. The trial court granted Ford’s motion for summary judgment, and Chonich appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Bronson, J.)
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