Knowingly publishing a lie about another person would be libel if that lie damages, or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the subject. If the damaging lie was spoken rather than written, then it would be slander.
In many cases, the harassment remains verbal. However, as long as the victim faces disruption to their ability to work safely, any action could fall under the category of harassment. Needless to say, rumors and slander attack the reputation of an individual and can make it difficult or even impossible to work safely.
What proof do you need for defamation of character? To prove defamation of character, you need to show a false statement presented as fact, its communication to a third party, fault amounting to at least negligence, and damages to the reputation.
A false communication which causes harm to a person's reputation, known as defamation, can subject the defamer to an expensive lawsuit and damages. In Indiana, defamation is defined as a false and malicious communication which causes damages by its publication.
To win an defamation lawsuit in Indiana, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant: Made an unprivileged false statement of fact about the plaintiff; Said statement caused the plaintiff material harm; and. Acted either negligently or with actual malice.
In an action for libel or slander, it is sufficient to state generally that the defamatory matter published or spoken was about the plaintiff. If the defendant denies the allegation, the plaintiff must prove at trial the facts showing that the defamatory matter was published or spoken about the plaintiff.
Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally. The difference between defamation and slander is that a defamatory statement can be made in any medium. It could be in a blog comment or spoken in a speech or said on television.