Johnny Depp vs. This case between movie star Johnny Depp and his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, was one of the most publicized defamation cases in recent times. The defendant, Ms. Heard, published an article in the Washington Post that insinuated that her ex-husband, Depp, had been violent towards her.
Under Maryland law, certain types of statements are considered to be so inherently harmful that they constitute defamation “per se” (as a matter of law). This means that the employee does not need to prove harm in order to win his or her case – harm is presumed based upon the severity of the false allegation.
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. The difference between defamation and slander is that a defamatory statement can be made in any medium.
Associated Press's definition of libel: Any accusation that a member of society has violated common standards of ethical behavior can lead to a libel suit. In short, libel is publication of false information about a person that causes injury to that person's reputation.
To succeed in a claim for punitive damages, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's conduct was characterized by “actual malice.” This means that the plaintiff must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant acted with evil intent, ill will, or a deliberate intent to harm.
Negligence per se means that a driver is automatically considered negligent if they violate a law designed to protect the public and that violation directly causes harm to someone else. In Maryland, driving under the influence is illegal under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902.
§ 5-105. An action for assault, libel, or slander shall be filed within one year from the date it accrues.
Defamation per se and defamation per quod are two sides of the same coin, they are false claims that cause injury to someone else. A statement is per se defamatory when the statement on its face is so egregious that its offensiveness is clear. Defamation per quod requires extrinsic facts.
The most common defenses to defamation are: 1) truth; 2) consent; 3) privilege; and 4) the statute of limitations. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the defamation cause of action is that falsity is required. In other words, the statement publicized about the plaintiff must be false in order to prove defamation.
Associated Press's definition of libel: Any accusation that a member of society has violated common standards of ethical behavior can lead to a libel suit. In short, libel is publication of false information about a person that causes injury to that person's reputation.