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Types of Defamation Types of Defamation. Slander: Different Types of Defamation Learn the differences between slander and libel defamatory statements. Social Media and Online Defamation There are two main types of defamation: libel, or written defamation, and slander, or verbal defamation. Defamation Lawsuits Defamation Lawsuits. Defamation Law Made Simple Learn the basics of slander and libel -- the rules about who can say what without getting into legal hot water.
This general area of law is called defamation law. Libel and slander are types of defamatory statements. Libel is a defamatory statement that is written. Slander is a defamatory statement that is oral. Historically, the distinction between libel and slander was significant and had real-world implications regarding how a case was litigated including the elements that had to be proven and who had the burden of proof. Illinois courts have changed their approach, however, as the Illinois Supreme Court explained in Bryson v.
News America Publication, Inc. At common law, libel and slander were analyzed under different sets of standards, with libel recognized as the more serious wrong. Illinois law evolved, however, and rejected this bifurcated approach in favor of a single set of rules for slander and libel. Toggle navigation.
Legal Help for all South Australians. Refine results. In reality, you won't see too many potentially libelous comments in published written letters to the editor because editors are generally very careful in screening out such letters. It is on the internet where people can get into trouble with libel. While some web sites screen posts for inflammatory or illegal content, the screening systems are not geared to examine every post for libelous content. Remember that slander is an oral defamatory statement, so those statements can be made anywhere and to anyone -- as long as it's to a third party, meaning someone other than the person who is allegedly being defamed.
Let's look at some examples of what might be libel. Let's first say that you posted a comment on someone's blog saying that the blog's author had been given a dishonorable discharge from the Army. That certainly sounds like a defamatory statement if it is false.
Remember that truth is an absolute defense to libel and slander. Another example might be saying or writing that someone acted unethically or dishonestly, even if the person's conduct did not constitute a crime. Most reputable journalists don't pay their subjects for interviews. It is not a crime to pay a subject for an interview, but it is generally considered unethical. Since the statement was false, it is very likely libelous.
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