In defamation law, the "actual malice" standard helps determine whether a plaintiff can succeed in a lawsuit against a defendant. This standard applies to cases involving public figures or matters of public concern. Understanding how the actual malice standard...
Defamation
What are the four components of defamation?
False statements about your reputation can destroy it in the eyes of your community. If your reputation suffers from false statements, known as defamation, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages. To understand what constitutes defamation, there are four...
3 components of a strong defamation case
In today's digital age, where information spreads rapidly through various channels, individuals must be vigilant in protecting their reputations. Defamation cases have become increasingly common as false statements, whether spoken or written, can cause irreparable...
Defamation vs. free speech
The 2021 court case between Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems brought about questions on the limits of free speech. NPR reported a Fox adviser stated the claims against Fox were an attempt to suppress the rights of the press. This famous defamation case is a good...
What constitutes defamation on social media?
Many people treat the internet as the place where you can say anything you want, whenever you want to say it. Often, people have a false sense of security and do not recognize that there can be consequences for posts made on social media. Defamation refers to false...
Understanding defamation and the elements necessary to prove it
The term defamation has been in the news and on social media a lot lately. However, you might not understand exactly what it means. According to Middle Tennessee State University's The First Amendment Encyclopedia, defamation refers to a false written or spoken...
3 criteria required to prove a defamation claim
Defamation is a false statement that someone makes about you that damages your reputation. Protections of free speech under the First Amendment do not apply to defamatory statements. There are two different types of defamation: libel and slander. Libel refers to...
How can defamation occur on social media?
On the internet, a lot of people feel free to say anything they want. While you may feel like there is more freedom online, the reality is that you can still face the consequences of what you post on social media. According to U.S. News, libel and slander can occur on...
What is defamation?
When it comes to defamation cases, there is a thin line between others' right to free speech and the right to preserve your reputation from lying people. If you sustain injuries due to someone else's remarks, you may be able to seek compensation under a defamation...