Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.1721 (2026)

Payment of damages; effect.

✓ current as of July 2026
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REVISED JUDICATURE ACT OF 1961


Act 236 of 1961


600.1721 Payment of damages; effect.

Sec. 1721.

    If the alleged misconduct has caused an actual loss or injury to any person the court shall order the defendant to pay such person a sufficient sum to indemnify him, in addition to the other penalties which are imposed upon the defendant. The payment and acceptance of this sum is an absolute bar to any action by the aggrieved party to recover damages for the loss or injury.

History: 1961, Act 236, Eff. Jan. 1, 1963

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 77 cases (22 in the last 5 years), 1969–2026 · leading case: in Re Bradley Est., 835 N.W.2d 545 (Mich. 2013).
in Re Bradley Est., 835 N.W.2d 545 (Mich. 2013). · cites it 146× “, concluded that Mick’s claim for indemnification under MCL 600.1721 for losses caused by the contempt was barred by the governmental tort liability act (GTLA), MCL 691.”
Taylor v. Currie, 743 N.W.2d 571 (Mich. Ct. App. 2008). · cites it 18× “The court also determined that plaintiff was entitled to an award of attorney fees under MCL 600.1721. On March 23, 2006, the trial court issued an opinion and order granting declaratory relief, entering a permanent injunction, and granting in part defendants' motion for summary…”
In Re Contempt of Henry, 765 N.W.2d 44 (Mich. Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 5× “The Taylor Court held as follows: MCL 600.1721 provides that, “[i]f the alleged misconduct has caused an actual loss or injury to any person the court shall order the defendant to pay such person a sufficient sum to indemnify him, in addition to the other penalties which are…”
In Re Kilpatrick, 160 B.R. 560 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 1993). · cites it 3× “The payment and acceptance of this sum is an absolute bar to any action by the aggrieved party to recover damages for the loss or injury.”
In re Bradley Est., 815 N.W.2d 799 (Mich. Ct. App. 2012). · cites it 7× “, applies to bar recovery of compensatory contempt damages sought pursuant to MCL 600.1721. Because we conclude that the GTLA does not apply, we reverse.”
In Re Contempt of Calcutt, 458 N.W.2d 919 (Mich. Ct. App. 1990). · cites it 3× “MCL 600.1721; MSA 27A.1721; Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 190 v Wolff, 141 Mich App 815, 818-819 ; 369 NW2d 237 (1985).”
Porter v. Porter, 776 N.W.2d 377 (Mich. Ct. App. 2009). “In re Contempt of Dougherty, 429 Mich 81, 91-96 ; 413 NW2d 392 (1987); In re Contempt of Calcutt, 184 Mich App 749, 758 ; 458 NW2d 919 (1990); MCL 600.1721. Thus, there “are two types of civil contempt sanctions, coercive and *456 compensatory.”
John Does 11-18 v. Dep't of Corr., 917 N.W.2d 730 (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “2d 545 (2013) ("Compare MCL 600.1721 and MCL 600.1701 with other statutes expressly waiving governmental immunity, including the Elliot[t]-Larsen Civil Rights Act .”
Ford Motor Co. v. Dep't of Treasury, 884 N.W.2d 587 (Mich. Ct. App. 2015). “MCL 600.1721 grants courts the power to order a party in contempt of court to indemnify the injured party for any “actual loss or injury” caused by the misconduct.”
In Re Contempt of Steingold, 624 N.W.2d 504 (Mich. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 2× “§ 600.1721; MSA 27A.1721. We reverse. I Appellant filed an appearance in the underlying action less than a week before the scheduled trial.”
Algarawi v. Auto Club Ins., 624 N.W.2d 443 (Mich. Ct. App. 2000). · cites it 3× “1715, MCL 600.1721; MSA 27A.1721; see also Dougherty II, supra at 98.”
In Re Contempt of Dougherty, 413 N.W.2d 392 (Mich. 1987). “MCL 600.1721; MSA 27A.1721 codifies the compensatory sanction: If the alleged misconduct has caused an actual loss or injury to any person the court shall order the defendant to pay such person a sufficient sum to indemnify him, in addition to the other penalties which are…”
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