What is slander in law?
A false statement, usually made orally, which defames another person. Unlike libel, damages from slander are not presumed and must be proven by the party suing.
What term describes publishing false information that’s harmful to a person’s reputation?
Slander describes spoken defamatory statements. The term applies to in-person interactions, like standing inside a restaurant and shouting false accusations about its sanitary conditions. In general, it’s easier to prove libel than slander, as the act of publication itself is considered injury to the other person.
Can you sue someone for posting false information on social media?
Since social media platforms are private entities, they are legally able to censor what their users post. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it still allows individuals who publish those false statements to be sued for defamation.
Is slander punishable by law?
Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong). A person who has been defamed can sue the person who did the defaming for damages.
What is the legal term for false accusation?
The noun defamation describes something very mean and completely deliberate, essentially a false accusation against someone or an attack on a person’s good reputation. The terms libel and slander — written or spoken lies about a person, group, or business — both fall under the category of defamation.
Can I sue someone for slander on Facebook?
Defamation of Character A Facebook post that defames the character of another person can be grounds for a lawsuit. To prove defamation of character, the victim must show that a false statement of and concerning the victim was published, caused the victim injury, and is not protected by any privilege.