{"id":353440,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:59","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-law-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-12-03T11:57:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T16:57:00","slug":"defamation-law-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-law-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Libel, Slander, and Defamation Law: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Libel, Slander, and Defamation Law: The Basics<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Defamation is a civil action that covers false statements that cause reputational harm. Learn about the legal definition of defamation, possible defenses, and how to sue.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Libel and slander are two types of defamation. Libel includes written or pictorial defamatory statements. Slander includes verbal defamatory statements.<\/p>\n

This article explores defamation, libel, and slander laws<\/a>. If you need help with a particular case, a defamation lawyer<\/a> can give you more advice.<\/p>\n

Defamation Lawsuits<\/b><\/h2>\n

State defamation laws vary. Yet, some standards exist no matter where you are or who you are suing.<\/p>\n

Generally, to win a defamation lawsuit, you must prove all the following:<\/p>\n