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.
Truth, or substantial truth, is a complete defense to a claim of defamation.
Slander can be hard to prove, as the complainant must show the slanderer was driven by malice and knew their claims were false. Slander is different from libel, which are false statements made through print or broadcast.
'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.
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.
A claim for slander includes the elements for defamation, which are: “(1) a false and defamatory statement, (2) unprivileged publication to a third person, (3) fault, amounting to at least negligence, and (4) actual or presumed damages.” Additionally, the defamatory statement must be made 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).
Truth is widely accepted as a complete defense to all defamation claims.
In Nevada, you must prove four elements to establish a defamation claim: A false and defamatory statement; Unprivileged publication to a third person; Fault, amounting to at least negligence; and. Actual or presumed damages.