Understanding the Basics of Defamation
Defamation lawsuits arise when someone makes a false statement of fact about another person that harms their reputation. This can take the form of libel (written defamation) or slander (spoken defamation). To win a defamation case, the plaintiff must prove the statement was false, published to a third party, caused them damage, and was made with at least negligence (in most cases, proving malice is required for public figures). The specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but these core elements are generally consistent.