- 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.
Oregon Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements — Defamation of Character Keywords: cease and desist letter, libelous statements, slanderous statements, defamation of character, Oregon law, legal action, false accusations, reputation damage, demand to stop, communication methods, consequences, resolution, legal remedies Description: If you find yourself facing libelous or slanderous statements that are damaging your character and reputation in the state of Oregon, a Cease and Desist Letter can be an effective way to address the issue. Oregon's law recognizes defamation of character as a serious offense and provides legal remedies to protect individuals or entities from false accusations. A Cease and Desist Letter is a written communication sent to the party responsible for making defamatory statements. This letter serves as a formal demand to stop making the false statements and provides an opportunity for resolution without escalating the situation to a lawsuit or court proceedings. There are different types of Oregon Cease and Desist Letters for libelous or slanderous statements, based on the specific circumstances. These may include: 1. Individual Cease and Desist Letter: This type of letter is used when an individual believes they have been subjected to false statements that harm their reputation. It outlines the defamatory statements made, the evidence of harm caused, and demands the immediate cessation of such statements. 2. Business Cease and Desist Letter: If a business or organization is facing damaging false statements that affect their reputation and potentially result in financial losses, a business-specific letter can be used. It highlights the impact of the libelous or slanderous statements on the company, demanding the cessation of such statements and emphasizing potential legal consequences. 3. Online Defamation Cease and Desist Letter: With the proliferation of online platforms, individuals and businesses often face defamatory statements through social media, websites, or online forums. An online defamation letter outlines the specific instances of online defamation, demanding the removal, retraction, and cessation of the false statements within a specified time frame. When drafting an Oregon Cease and Desist Letter for libelous or slanderous statements, it is crucial to clearly outline the false statements made, provide evidence of harm caused, cite relevant Oregon defamation laws, and demand immediate cessation of the defamatory statements. It is also important to specify the desired outcome, such as a public apology, retraction of the statements, or removal of defamatory content from online platforms. While a Cease and Desist Letter can bring attention to the harm caused and provide an opportunity for resolution, it is essential to consult with a professional attorney to ensure the letter is well-drafted, adheres to Oregon law, and suits your specific situation. If the offending party continues to ignore or refuse the demands stated in the letter, you may need to pursue further legal action to protect your rights and seek compensation for any damages caused.
