Word of the Day - Defamation

[Jace]

Word of the Day - Defamation..n.

Def.: A statement that injuries a third party's reputation.

The tort of defamation includes both libel (written statements) and
slander (spoken statements)

Tort..is a civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm,
resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act.

She is being sued for defamation.

 

[Mizmo]

The media are often sued for defamation by celebrities.

 

[Kaila]

Even though the phrase often used is defamation of character, or reputation,
Is the potential primary legal focus, solely on the financial losses claimed to have happened as a result? (loss of income, etc.)

Any input, @ohioboy ?

 

[ohioboy]

Even though the phrase often used is defamation of character, or reputation,
Is the potential primary legal focus, solely on the financial losses claimed to have happened as a result? (loss of income, etc.)

Any input, @ohioboy ?

Defamation Per Se does not require direct damages.

 

[Kaila]

Thank you for that, @ohioboy

 

[ohioboy]

Thank you for that, @ohioboy

Oh a good example would be Ohio born Annie Oakley sued William Randolph Hearst for alleging she was arrested for using cocaine. The statement is damaging on its face!

 

[ohioboy]

I was trying to think of a notable Per Se case. Jerry Falwell sued Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt for Libel Per Se.

 

[Ruthanne]

I had been done defamation as a young teen. It is something that can have terrible results.

 

[Bellbird]

In todays PC world it is very easy to be arrested for defamation.

 

[ohioboy]

In todays PC world it is very easy to be arrested for defamation.

Criminal defamation is codified in some jurisdictions, but that needs to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, as opposed to Preponderance of the Evidence in a Civil Court. Criminal prosecution of defamation in the U. S. is an extremely rare occurence. I can not even think of a case of it? That would take some research.