The Nation - News from Dec. 30, 1988

Michigan Gov. James J. Blanchard has signed a bill that establishes two separate standards for proof in libel cases--one for public individuals and a second for private citizens. Under the new law, public figures would have to prove malice in libel cases while private citizens would only have to prove negligence. State Rep. William Bryant said he introduced the bill because the negligence standard established in a 1986 Michigan Supreme Court decision would hamper the media’s ability to do its job. Prior to the 1986 case, plaintiffs had to prove that an inaccurate print or broadcast report was released with “actual malice.” But in Rouch vs. Battle Creek Enquirer, the court ruled that a plaintiff only had to show the media was negligent in allowing a report to be aired or printed--a lesser level of proof.