M Civ JI 128.10 Material Fact - Definition

A material fact cannot be an opinion, belief, speculation or prediction. It must relate to something past or present that can be proved or disproved.

A material fact must be of enough importance in the matter that a reasonable person would be likely to rely on it.

Note on Use

This instruction should be used with M Civ JI 128.01, 128.02, and 128.04.

Comment

Cases discussing material include Lebeis v Rutzen, 289 Mich 1; 286 NW 134 (1939); Starr v Kleiser, 224 Mich 75; 194 NW 568 (1923); and Hall v Johnson, 41 Mich 286; 2 NW 55 (1879).

Cases distinguishing statements of fact from statements of opinion or belief, predictions of future performance, or normal puffing include Hayes Construction Co v Silverthorn, 343 Mich 421; 72 NW2d 190 (1955); Graham v Myers, 333 Mich 111; 52 NW2d 621 (1952); Mesh v Citrin, 299 Mich 527; 300 NW2d 870 (1941); and Van Tassel v McDonald Corp, 159 Mich App 745; 407 NW2d 6 (1987).

History

M Civ JI 128.10 was added December 1994.