How to Gather Evidence for a Slander Case

Slander occurs when a defamatory statement is verbally made regarding a person (to at least a third person) and causes injury to that person's reputation. If you believe that you have been a victim of slander, you may find that at some point you will want to file a case against the person who defamed you. At that point, you will want to gather all pertinent evidence in support of your case in a systematic manner so that you can present yourself in the best light.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access

1. Develop a plan of action with an attorney well acquainted with first amendment free speech issues and tort law. You should have a compete understanding of what will be expected of you and your opponent during the entire legal process. Utilize Findlaw's Intake Form with your attorney in order to make a determination on the merits of your case (see Resources below).
2. Gather together a comprehensive package of evidence that offers the judicial decision maker enough information to make a proper judgment regarding your case. The better prepared you are to present your side of the issue, the more you increase your chances of being victorious if the information indeed supports your case.
3. Refrain from making any statements in response to the person you are accusing of slander until a decision has been reached in the matter. You do not want to find yourself as a defendant in a similar case.
4. Familiarize yourself with what constitutes defamation--and in particular, slander, at the Media Law Resource Center (see Resources below). The more information that you gather, the better equipped you will be to see your case through to the end.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that a slander case cannot be brought simply because of hurt feelings. If the evidence shows that the statement is true, then the person you are bringing the case against will have an ironclad defense in most cases.
• Remember that there is a difference between slander and libel, both of which are forms of defamation. Make sure that you are bringing the correct cause of action or your case may be dismissed.