Written defamation is called "libel," and spoken defamation is considered "slander," and they both fall under "defamation." In the US, defamation is not usually a crime. Instead, it is a "tort" or civil wrong. Under the law, a person who has been defamed can seek damages from the perpetrator.
Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations: Chart Injury to personTwo years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Libel/slander One year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Fraud Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Injury to personal property Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32) Professional malpractice Two years, maximum of five years from the act (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71)5 more rows
Slander: Simple slander carries a penalty of arresto menor (one day to 30 days of imprisonment) or a fine. Grave slander, however, can result in arresto mayor (one month and one day to six months) or a higher fine.
In Georgia, slander may occur when a person imputes a crime to the plaintiff, claims the plaintiff has a communicable disorder, or says the plaintiff committed a “debasing act.” It also extends to statements that are related to an individual's profession and intended to harm his or her reputation within it.
- In an action for false, slanderous, and malicious words impugning the title to the plaintiff's lands, the right of action accrues to the plaintiff upon the doing of the act complained of, just as in injuries to personal reputation.
A defamation claim in Georgia requires the plaintiff to show that the defendant made a false and defamatory statement about him or her in an unprivileged communication to a third party. The plaintiff must show at least negligence on the part of the defendant.
- A viable defamation claim under Georgia law consists of: (1) a false and defamatory statement concerning the plaintiff: (2) an unprivileged communication to a third party; (3) fault by the defendant amounting at least to negligence; and (4) special harm or the action ability of the statement irrespective of special ...
(b) The cease and desist order shall be in writing, sent by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, and addressed to the person's business address and, if the person is an individual, to the individual's personal address.
In Georgia, you can sue for defamation if you can prove that false statements were made with intent to harm your reputation.