'Slander' is spoken, a criminal action damaging to an individual's reputation and is actionable under law. 'Libel' is a written or published statement that is damaging to an individual's reputation, also actionable under law. 'Smearing' may be understood to be either slanderous or libelous.
Truth, or substantial truth, is a complete defense to a claim of defamation.
In Maryland, to win a slander or libel lawsuit, public figures must prove the existence of actual malice on the part of the defendant. Private figures, however, only have to prove negligence on the part of the defendant.
Slander of title only arises when an individual makes statements that he or she knows are false or makes statements that he or she knows might be false with the intent to harm the victim.
Libel and slander are both types of defamation. Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally.
Defamation is a statement that injures a third party's reputation. The tort of defamation includes both libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements).
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.
Address It Directly: If appropriate, consider confronting the person spreading the slander. Approach them calmly and express how their words have affected you. Sometimes, a direct conversation can resolve misunderstandings. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or colleagues about the situation.
Address It Directly: If appropriate, consider confronting the person spreading the slander. Approach them calmly and express how their words have affected you. Sometimes, a direct conversation can resolve misunderstandings. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or colleagues about the situation.
Truth is the best defense to defamation. For example if sued for calling a person a criminal, then the defendant could produce a valid record of a criminal conviction, properly certified and exemplified and the defendant would probably be granted summary judgement.