Glossary · Torts
Defamation
defamation-e8ae368cd6829619-2026-07-28
- Type
- Glossary
- Jurisdiction
- National
- Date
- 2026-07-28
- Topic
- Torts
A false statement of fact about a person, communicated to a third party, that harms the person's reputation. Written defamation is libel and spoken defamation is slander; opinions and true statements are not actionable. Public figures must additionally prove actual malice, meaning the speaker knew the statement was false or recklessly disregarded the truth.
Definition
A false statement of fact about a person, communicated to a third party, that harms the person's reputation. Written defamation is libel and spoken defamation is slander; opinions and true statements are not actionable. Public figures must additionally prove actual malice, meaning the speaker knew the statement was false or recklessly disregarded the truth.
Defamation. A false statement of fact about a person, communicated to a third party, that harms the person's reputation. Written defamation is libel and spoken defamation is slander; opinions and true statements are not actionable. Public figures must additionally prove actual malice, meaning the speaker knew the statement was false or recklessly disregarded the truth. Example: The review claiming the clinic billed for procedures it never performed supported a defamation claim once shown to be fabricated.