Wilkerson v. Carlo

In February and March, 1978, defendant, the executive manager of North-ville Downs, made public accusations implicating plaintiff, an owner and trainer of standardbred horses, in a race-fixing scheme at the track. Defendant also barred plaintiff from future racing at Northville Downs. Plaintiff commenced an action against defendant for defamation on April 16, 1979. The Circuit Court granted defendant’s motion for accelerated judgment since the action was commenced after the expiration of the one-year period of limitation of actions for libel and slander. MCL 600.5805(7); MSA 27A.5805(7).

Therea…