Defamation

Defamation is a legal concept that encompasses false statements or communications that harm the reputation of an individual, business, or organization. It can occur in two forms: slander, which involves spoken defamatory statements, and libel, which involves written or published defamatory statements. To establish a defamation case, the aggrieved party typically needs to prove that the statement is false, damaging to their reputation, and made without a legal privilege or defense. Truth is generally a complete defense against defamation claims. Additionally, public figures often face a higher burden of proof, needing to show not only falsehood but also actual malice, meaning that the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. Defamation cases aim to compensate the victim for harm to their reputation and may involve the issuance of retractions or apologies. Legal advice is crucial for both potential plaintiffs and defendants in defamation cases to navigate the complexities of proving or defending against such claims.