The Law on Defamation of Character

A person who can successfully win a defamation of character case in court may be eligible for monetary reparations for damage to her mental state or reputation. Such cases, however, are usually costly and difficult to win.

Types of Defamation

Defamation of character is closely related to libel and slander. Defamation occurs when one party makes a false and damaging statement about another party. Slander is a type of defamation that occurs when one person makes defamatory statements using a transitory representation such as an oral accusation or gesture, while libel involves defamatory statements in fixed mediums including print publications.

Legal Ramifications

In legal terms, defamation of character causes the subject of the statement to suffer harm, such as emotional, reputation or monetary damages. The subject can take legal action, known as defamation action, against the party who issued the statements. The legal system may rule that the party who made the defamatory statement must pay the plaintiff.

Defamation Lawsuits

Statements must be published in order to qualify as defamation of character. Publishing involves making the statement to a third party other than the issuer of the statement and the subject of the statement. Furthermore, the defense may win the legal case if the statements are true.

Warning

While a person may be displeased when someone defames his character, legal action may only serve to draw more public attention to the defamatory statements, especially if the media publishes stories about the case.

References

• Expert Law:Defamation, Libel and Slander Law
• Attorneys USA:Defamation of Character