What is defamation, libel and slander?
In general, the offense of defamation is defined as a damaging lie or untruth shared by one person with another person about a third party. For example, if A shares with B that C is a thief when C is not a thief, C has been “defamed” by A. When the lie or untruth is written or typed, the defamation is called “libel.” When spoken or oral, it is called “slander.” Defamation frequently concerns the gossip and conflicts between neighbors, members of communities and the interest in the lives of famous people. Many people believe that such a case might require a great deal of publicity like the newspaper or the radio, but this is not true. All that is needed to make a case for defamation is to satisfy the requirements. General elements of defamation, slander and libel • A false and defamatory statement of fact concerning another person • A “publication” of that statement to a third party (someone other than the defamed person) • That is understood to be (i) referring to the plaintiff/defamed
