How to Learn About Slander

In the United States, slander constitutes part of what is broadly known as "defamation law." Generally speaking, slander is defamation of character spoken in public that has injurious or potentially injurious consequences for the defamed party. Note that slander is almost always spoken (as opposed to permanently published).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Know What Legally Constitutes Slander

1. Learn about the factors that differentiate slander from libel. Slander is defamation of character that occurs in a public forum involving spoken (including sign language and/or gestures) information that is claimed to be the truth, known to be false, and intended to injure the subject at which it is directed. Libel, on the other hand, is defamation expressed in published media (most commonly print, electronic or broadcast media).
2. Consult a reputable Web site to learn the specifics of defamation law as it applies to cases of slander. Abbottlaw (see Resources below) offers a very good, simply worded overview of federal defamation law in the United States.
3. Inquire at a legal aid clinic or law office if you need clarification on the finer points of your state's slander statutes or if you want to learn more about their finer details. Be aware that some U.S. states have separate codes for libel and slander defamation, while others group both under the same set of laws. You will need complete knowledge of your state's specific regulations before you pursue any legal action.
4. Know that there are media law organizations in place that offer resources to persons on both sides of slander cases. The Media Law Resource Center (see Resources below) provides access to advocacy, people, printed and published materials that can help you regardless of whether you are accused of slander or the victim of harmful slanderous statements.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that there is an important medium-specific distinction between "slander" and "libel." In general terms, slander is simply spoken, whereas libel is printed, broadcast or otherwise permanently disseminated.
• Be prepared for a difficult legal battle if you are the plaintiff in a slander case. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech to all citizens, can make slander lawsuits very difficult to win unless it can be proven beyond a doubt that the slanderous statements were both false as well as injurious.