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.
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.
Although libel or defamation is now primarily a civil claim, it once was primarily a criminal offense, prosecuted by the government and punishable by imprisonment or a fine.
Utah Code Section 76-9-404.
Malicious falsehood, or trade libel, refers to false statements made about a person's business, products, or services with the intent to cause harm. Examples include: A competitor making false claims about the quality of your product.
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.
The allegedly defamatory statement must state or imply facts which can be proved to be false, and name of plaintiff must show the statement to be false. “False” means that the statement is either directly untrue or that it implies a fact that is untrue. In addition, a defamatory statement must be materially false.
The tort of slander of title and the related tort of disparagement of property are based on an intentional interference with economic relations. They are not personal torts; unlike slander of the person, they do not protect a person's reputation.” Bass v. Planned Mgmt.
Defamation Law in Utah Utah law requires that a plaintiff, the person claiming defamation, proves certain elements for a successful claim. These elements include the false statement being “published” to a third party, the statement causing harm, and the statement being made without adequate research into the truth.