What is defamation of character and slander?
Attorneys are often solicited by individuals who are the victim of mean, spiteful fabrications being spread about them by others, damaging their reputations. This defamation of character may be comprised of slander and/or libel.DefinitionDefamation of character is the circulation of an invalid or nonfactual account about an individual with the intention of being hurtful. Verbally spoken, the information is considered slander, but put into writing it is libel.SignificanceThe First Amendment to the Constitution, ratified December 15, 1791, protects every American’s right to freedom of speech. However, court cases over the years have determined that speech and press with intent to harm is punishable through the judicial system.ConsiderationsIf the alleged slanderous statement is proven to be the truth, or was stated merely as an opinion, no punishable act has been committed. In cases of celebrity or newsworthy plaintiffs, proof of malice must be established.EffectsDefamation of character
