Defamation

 

Defamation 

Defamation is defined as the action of damaging the reputation of someone; slander or libel. With social media use increasing the concern of defamation has been accruing. Though little legal actions happen lawsuits can be filed.

Opinion and Defamation 

To better understand defamation we must know the difference between defamation and an opinion. Defamation is a false statement with the intent of knowing it was not true.Keywords that journalists use to make a defamation seem like an opinion is using the word “allegedly”. Every day words such as I think and it’s possible are considered statements of opinion.

Slander and Libel

Two types of defamation are libel and slander.  Slander is a false statement that is spoken. Libel is a false statement that is written. Defamation is still different from libel and slander because it can be used in any medium.

Define Elements 

There are five defining elements of defamation:

 1) revealing/expoing false facts about another person

2)the person who has the false statement about them must experience some sort of damage such as a mental burden. 

3) Identification of the damaged existence 

4) Must be published to a third party

5)has some sort Intention or inattention of knowing the false statement was a lie.

‘Categories 

Now that defamation has been defined there are four categories of defamation. The first one is accusing someone of a crime , for example saying someone robbed a house without any factual evidence. Two is making a false statement of sexual misconduct such as intercourse that had no consent. Three is improper conduct of business or trade. Lastly, false claims that someone has a disease, for example a STD.

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