Rouch v. Enquirer & News of Battle Creek
Michigan Supreme Court
487 N.W.2d 205 (1992)
- Written by Sharon Feldman, JD
Facts
David Rouch (plaintiff) was arrested and booked for first-degree criminal sexual assault of his former wife’s babysitter and released on bond after an informal hearing before a magistrate. Rouch was never formally arraigned. The police eventually focused on someone else. The Enquirer & News of Battle Creek (the Enquirer) (defendant) published an article about Rouch’s arrest. Rouch sued the Enquirer for libel, claiming the article falsely reported Rouch had been charged with sexual assault though he had not been formally arraigned, his children had identified him though he had been identified by his former wife’s children, and the charge had been authorized by the county prosecutor. The jury found for Rouch. The intermediate appellate court affirmed, holding Rouch had proved falsity. The Michigan Supreme Court granted the Enquirer leave to appeal.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Boyle, J.)
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