For a statement to qualify as defamation, it must be a false statement of fact rather than an opinion. Regardless of the nature of an opinion statement, it is not considered defamatory unless the statement of fact is false. A defamatory statement must concern the plaintiff.
In North Carolina, a successful claim for defamation, whether it be under libel or slander, requires the plaintiff to prove four main elements: (1) the statements are false; (2) the statements concern the plaintiff; (3) the statements were published to a third person; and (4) the statements caused injury to the ...
Elements of Defamation The defendant made the defamatory statement to a third party knowing it was false (or they should have known it was false); The defamatory statement was disseminated through a publication or communication; and. The plaintiff's reputation suffered damage or harm.
The statement was made about or was understood to be about the plaintiff; The statement was negligently made (if the plaintiff is a “public figure” then actual malice must be shown); Actual damage naturally arising out of the statement or that the statement was slanderous per se or libelous on its face.
Most defamation cases are filed in North Carolina's Superior Court, which hears lawsuits where the plaintiff is asking for more than $25,000 in damages from the defendant. If a libel or slander plaintiff is asking for $25,000 or less, they can sue in the state's District Court.
Key Takeaways. Slander is the legal term used to describe false statements made by one party against another. The subject of slanderous statements can pursue legal action against the slanderer(s).
The statement must be untrue and presented as a factual claim rather than an opinion to be defamation. Additionally, there must be evidence that the statement caused or has the potential to cause significant damage to the reputation of the individual or entity targeted.
Generally speaking, there are two types of defamation in North Carolina: Libel - False statements in written or graphic form; and, Slander - False statements in spoken form.
In North Carolina, a successful claim for defamation, whether it be under libel or slander, requires the plaintiff to prove four main elements: (1) the statements are false; (2) the statements concern the plaintiff; (3) the statements were published to a third person; and (4) the statements caused injury to the ...