How to Learn About Libel

Libel falls under the legal umbrella of "defamation." Defamation law allows for the civil and/or criminal prosecution of persons who make false statements, which are explicitly said or directly implied to be factual and cause harm to the reputation of an individual, group, business or other entity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Understand What Constitutes Libel

1. Know that, in general terms, libel applies to published defamation in a fixed, permanent medium, such as print, film, broadcast and electronic media. Slander, on the other hand, is defamation expressed in a transitory manner, most commonly speech. Note, though, that under United States law, both libel and slander require that the defamation be made in public in order for it to be considered illegal.
2. Search online to find comprehensive explanations of what does and does not constitute libel and what differentiates libel and slander. An excellent overview of federal defamation regulations can be found at Abbottlaw.com (see Resources below).
3. If you have further questions, consult a legal aid specialist or, if necessary, an attorney who specializes in defamation law. Choose the former if you are simply seeking to learn more about your state's libel laws and the latter if you want to initiate legal action against the party who defamed you.
4. Find resources, support and advocacy at the Media Law Resource Center Web site (see Resources below). Formerly known as the Libel Defense Resource Center, the site links users to relevant publications and human resources to assist you as you navigate the world of libel law.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the distinction between libel and slander. Both are types of defamation, but the distinction lies in the medium in which the defamatory statement(s) are expressed. Statutes in some jurisdictions deal with libel and slander separately, while others codify them under the same laws. Learn as much as you can about your state's defamation laws before pursuing any legal action.
• Understand that the United States is generally not a plaintiff-friendly place to pursue legal action against libel, because the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees every citizen's right to free speech. Though every person's right to protect him or herself against defamation of character is also guaranteed by law, you should be prepared to demonstrate in court exactly how the defamatory statement(s) injured you, your business or organization.