This topic defines defamation, the defenses to the charge of defamation, and briefly discusses how to demand a retraction to collect damages. If anyone has ever said anything bad about you, you may have wondered if you could sue that person for defamation. Libel and slander are two forms of defamation. Defamation is defined as a false statement communicated to another person that damages your reputation by exposing you to hatred, contempt, or ridicule from other people. Libel is communicating a defamatory statement by writing or picture.
Slander is defamation by oral or spoken communication.
If such words were written or spoken of you, you are not defamed if the words were true. Truth is a complete defense to defamation. Even if your reputation is damaged by a defamatory communication, you cannot recover if the communication was true. There are a number of other defenses to the charge of defamation. Most notable is the defense of privilege.