{"id":353470,"date":"2020-04-24T08:54:32","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T13:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/how-to-sue-for-slander.html"},"modified":"2023-07-24T17:41:29","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T22:41:29","slug":"how-to-sue-for-slander","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/how-to-sue-for-slander.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Sue for Slander"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Sue for Slander<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/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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Words can have serious consequences, as in the case of slander and defamation. Suing the person who slandered you may help mitigate those consequences.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although everyone can enjoy their First Amendment right to free speech, this right has certain exceptions. Because they cause personal injury,\u00a0defamatory statements\u00a0are among those exceptions.<\/p>\n

Slander<\/a>\u00a0is one type of defamation of character claim that does not enjoy\u00a0First Amendment<\/a> protection. Courts recognize slander as a cause of action (claim) because it can cause reputational damage. A defamation lawyer<\/a> can help you determine whether you can sue and how to proceed.<\/p>\n

What Is Slander?<\/h2>\n

Slander occurs when someone makes false and damaging statements about another person. Unlike\u00a0libel<\/a>,\u00a0which is a written\u00a0<\/i>defamation claim, slander is spoken defamation. Public officials and public figures often bring slander cases.<\/p>\n

How Do I Prove Slander?<\/h2>\n

In a slander lawsuit, you have to prove the following:<\/p>\n