What is Defamation?
Defamation is the act of making false statements that harm a party’s reputation.
Defamation can be in written statements (libel) or spoken words (slander).
Generally, some statements are defamatory as a matter of law. Those statements involve circumstances when someone states that another party:
- committed a crime
- is infected with a loathsome communicable disease
- lacks ability or integrity in a trade, profession or business
Truth is the Best Defense
Truth is a complete defense to defamation. A statement is not defamatory if it is substantially true, even though it is not technically accurate in every detail.
Only statements that can be proven true or false are considered defamatory.
A statement is not defamatory if it is an opinion. However, a false assertion of fact can be defamatory even though it is characterized an opinion.
Sometimes, Defamation is OK
Defamation claims can difficult because sometimes there are legitimate reasons to make defamatory statements.
Did someone make defamatory statements about you? Contact Jeff.
