Defamation is an area of law that provides a civil remedy when someone's words end up causing harm to your reputation or your livelihood. Libel is a written or published defamatory statement, while slander is defamation that is spoken by the defendant. In this section, we'll explain what you need to prove if you're bringing a defamation lawsuit, and what to expect at each step of your case, including common defenses to a defamation claim.
Libel vs. Slander: Different Types of Defamation
Learn the differences between slander and libel defamatory statements.
Social Media and Online Defamation
There are two main types of defamation: libel, or written defamation, and slander, or verbal defamation.
Learn the basics of slander and libel -- the rules about who can say what without getting into legal hot water.
Defamation, Libel, and Slander: Key Elements of a Claim
Learn what a plaintiff needs to prove in order to hold someone liable for defamation.
The Statute of Limitations for Defamation Lawsuits
Understanding and abiding by the statutory lawsuit filing deadline is crucial to your defamation case.
Timeline of a Defamation Claim
A step-by-step look at a typical defamation case, plus tips on what to expect.
Figuring out how much your libel or slander claim might be worth at settlement or at trial.
Privileges and Defenses in Defamation Cases
Learn about the most common legal arguments that might be used to defeat a defamation claim.
Defamation, Public Officials, and the Media
It's a free country, but did he really just say that? And what does the media risk when they cry out, "But the emperor has no clothes!"?
Sample Demand Letter - Online Defamation
If you've been the subject of a defamatory statement made online or via social media, use this sample as a template when crafting your own demand letter.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in Michigan?
Get your libel or slander case filed in compliance with the Michigan statute of limitations for defamation lawsuits, or the court will almost certainly refuse to consider it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Get your slander or libel lawsuit filed in line with North Carolina's statute of limitations for defamation cases, or the court will almost surely refuse to consider it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in Texas?
The Texas defamation statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on your right to have the state's civil court system consider your libel or slander lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in Illinois?
The defamation statute of limitations in Illinois puts a strictly-enforced time limit on your right to have the civil court system consider your libel or slander lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in California?
California's defamation statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on your right to have the state's civil court system consider your libel or slander lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia's defamation statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on your right to have the state's civil court system consider your libel or slander lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Defamation Lawsuit in Florida?
The Florida defamation statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on your right to have the state's civil court system consider your libel or slander lawsuit.