{"id":353442,"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-libel-slander.html"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:55:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T17:55:10","slug":"defamation-libel-slander","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-libel-slander.html","title":{"rendered":"Defamation, Libel and Slander"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Defamation, Libel and Slander<\/h1>\n\n
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\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
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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
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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

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Defamation is the general tort that encompasses statements that damage a person’s reputation. There are different forms of defamation, including libel and slander.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Not all torts (civil wrongs) result in bodily harm. Some cause harm to a person’s reputation instead. This is true of defamation, libel, and slander.<\/p>\n

The difference between libel and slander is simply whether the statements are written or spoken. If they are written, they are considered libel. If they are spoken, they are considered slander.<\/p>\n

If a person suffers injury to their reputation as a result of another person’s statements, they can sue through a defamation claim. This type of lawsuit is a civil claim.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Continue reading for an overview of libel and slander and how both relate to defamation. Yet, only a qualified defamation lawyer can advise you on your specific case. Get personalized support by contacting a lawyer<\/a> in your area.<\/p>\n

The Basics of Defamation Law<\/h2>\n

The government can’t punish a person for defamation because it’s not a criminal offense. Defamation is a\u00a0tort<\/a>\u00a0cause of action, however. This means a person can file a civil lawsuit against someone if they suffer injury because of that person’s defamatory statements.<\/p>\n

A defamation suit can be a tricky area of law. The Supreme Court has different standards for what is considered defamation of character and what is protected free speech. There is a fine line between First Amendment freedom of speech<\/a> and the right of a person to protect their reputation and good name.<\/p>\n

Defamatory statements<\/a> fall into two categories:<\/p>\n