Every malicious publication by writing, printing, picture, effigy, sign[,] radio broadcasting or which shall in any other manner transmit the human voice or reproduce the same from records or other appliances or means, which shall tend: --

     (1) To expose any living person to hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or to deprive him of the benefit of public confidence or social intercourse; or

     (2) To expose the memory of one deceased to hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy; or

     (3) To injure any person, corporation or association of persons in his or their business or occupation, shall be libel. Every person who publishes a libel shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

[1935 c 117 § 1; 1909 c 249 § 172; 1891 c 69 § 3; Code 1881 §§ 1230, 1231; 1879 p 144 § 1; 1869 p 383 §§ 1, 2; RRS § 2424.]