Definition of Defamation of Character
According to LawInfo.com, defamation of character is a form of personal injury that, "does no physical harm, but can be extremely harmful to a person’s reputation..." Such an injury is composed of malicious statements that are distributed to at least a third party. A defamed person can experience threats and hatred or become ostracized.
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Types
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Defamation of character is considered to be either slander or libel. According to the website for the Warner Law Office, P.A. in Minnesota, slander is the form of defamation that is spoken to another person, while libel is defamation that is written.
Considerations
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The Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau states that defamatory remarks that are made through radio, television or other video media are considered libel. Libel is considered more damaging because of the long-lasting impact of the statements.
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Significance
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According to LawInfo.com, a statement must be completely false in order for it to be considered defamation of character. In order for defamation to be proven, the statement must also have negatively impacted the victim's personal or professional relationships.
Examples
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The Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau states that proving a statement to be defamatory against one's character can be difficult. Examples of proven defamation of character may include saying that someone is a criminal, mentally unstable, sexually promiscuous or an alcoholic.
Warning
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Defamation of character can also be proven using information published on internet sites and email. According to LawInfo.com, a person who republishes this defamatory content can also be held liable, in addition to the creator.
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