Defamation is a statement that injures a third party's reputation. The tort of defamation includes both libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements). State common law and statutory law governs defamation actions, and each state varies in their standards for defamation and potential damages .
45-2-2 Libel and slander defined. (2) "Slander" means any libel communicated by spoken words.
(1) A person is guilty of criminal defamation if he knowingly communicates to any person orally or in writing any information which he knows to be false and knows will tend to expose any other living person to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.
Ing to Utah law, a tort claim is any cause of action arising because of a personal injury or property damage. In these civil cases, an individual alleges that a second party, through purposeful or negligent conduct, caused that person to endure a loss or injury.
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.
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.
Utah Criminal Code § 76-5-106. Harassment. (1) A person is guilty of harassment if, with intent to frighten or harass another, he communicates a written or recorded threat to commit any violent felony.