- that a statement was made about the plaintiff's reputation, honesty or integrity that is not true;
- publication to a third party (i.e., another person hears or reads the statement); and
- the plaintiff suffers damages as a result of the statement.
Slander is a form of defamation that consists of making false oral statements about a person which would damage that person's reputation. If one spreads a rumor that his neighbor has been in jail and this is not true, the person making such false statements could be held liable for slander.
Defamation which occurs by written statements is known as libel. Libel also may result from a picture or visual representation. Truth is an absolute defense to slander or libel.
Some statements, while libelous or slanderous, are absolutely privileged in the sense that the statements can be made without fear of a lawsuit for slander. The best example is statements made in a court of law. An untrue statement made about a person in court which damages that person's reputation will generally not cause liability to the speaker as far as slander is concerned. However, if the statement is untrue, the person making it may be liable for criminal perjury.
If a communication is made in good faith on a subject in which the party communicating it has a legitimate right or interest in communicating it, this communication may be exempt from slander liability due to a qualified privileged.
The following form letter demands that someone cease making libelous or slanderous statements, or appropriate legal action will be taken.
Connecticut Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements — Defamation of Character acts as a legal tool to address instances of defamation in the state of Connecticut. Defamation refers to false statements made about an individual or organization that harm their reputation. It can take the form of either libel (written statements) or slander (spoken statements). A Connecticut Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements serves as a formal warning to the individual or entity responsible for the defamatory statements. It demands an immediate cessation of the harmful statements and the retraction of any false information that has been disseminated. This legal letter aims to protect the reputation of the aggrieved party and prevent any further damage. There are different types of Connecticut Cease and Desist Letters for Libelous or Slanderous Statements — Defamation of Character, each catering to specific situations: 1. Individual Cease and Desist Letter: This type of letter is used when an individual is defamed, as it seeks to protect their personal reputation. It is typically sent by the affected person or their legal representative. 2. Business Cease and Desist Letter: This variation of the cease and desist letter is utilized when a business or corporation faces defamatory statements. It is usually sent by the company's legal counsel or representative. 3. Public Figure Cease and Desist Letter: Public figures, such as celebrities, politicians, or high-profile individuals, often become targets of false statements. The Public Figure Cease and Desist Letter is specially designed for these individuals, considering the unique implications that defamation has on their public image. These letters serve as initial attempts to resolve the issue before resorting to costly and time-consuming litigation. They emphasize the seriousness of defamation and the potential legal consequences for the accused party. Moreover, they provide an opportunity for the accused to rectify their actions, rescind the false statements, and avoid further legal complications. In conclusion, a Connecticut Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements — Defamation of Character is an essential legal tool used to safeguard one's reputation against defamatory statements. It comes in various forms, including individual, business, and public figure cease and desist letters. These letters aim to protect the aggrieved party and resolve the matter without resorting to litigation.
