Slander With Malicious Intent In Texas
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Section 119.202 - Criminal Slander or Libel, Tex. Fin. Code § 119.202 | Casetext Search + Citator.
If they are written, they are considered libel. If they are spoken, they are considered slander. If a person suffers injury to their reputation as a result of another person's statements, they can sue through a defamation claim.
Malicious falsehood is defined as a false statement that is made maliciously (intentionally with knowledge of its falsehood, or with reckless disregard for the truth). When malicious falsehood occurs, it can give rise to a civil lawsuit for either libel or slander.
Because libel and slander are intentional torts, the defendant must have intended the publication.
To prove a successful defamation claim, the plaintiff must show the following: (1) the defendant published a false statement; (2) that defamed the plaintiff; (3) with the requisite degree of fault regarding the statement's truth; and (4) damages, unless the statement constitutes defamation per se.
If someone knowingly provides false information to law enforcement officers or makes up a crime, they can be charged with this crime. The penalties may include fines and possible imprisonment. While not a criminal offense, making false claims that harm someone's reputation can lead to civil lawsuits for defamation.
To prove a successful defamation claim, the plaintiff must show the following: (1) the defendant published a false statement; (2) that defamed the plaintiff; (3) with the requisite degree of fault regarding the statement's truth; and (4) damages, unless the statement constitutes defamation per se.
