Libel and slander are types of defamatory statements. Libel is a defamatory statement that is written. Slander is a defamatory statement that is oral.

Overview. Defamation is a statement that injures a third party’s reputation. The tort of defamation includes both libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements).

defamation. n. the act of making untrue statements about another which damages his/her reputation. If the defamatory statement is printed or broadcast over the media it is libel and, if only oral, it is slander.

Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong). A person who has been defamed can sue the person who did the defaming for damages.

“Oral Defamation or Slander is libel committed by oral (spoken) means, instead of in writing. Oral defamation may either be simple or grave. It becomes grave when it is of a serious and insulting nature.

How Can I Defend Myself Against a Libel or Slander Lawsuit?

1. The statement must be proved false. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation.
2. There must be communication.
3. The statement is opinion, not fact.
4. There must be harm.
5. Consent has been given.
6. Privilege or immunity can be claimed.

1. Turn to a trusted adult for support. Talk to someone you can confide in, like a parent, teacher, school counselor, or coach.
2. Find your friends. Find a friend or two who will stick by you and who won’t listen to rumors.
3. Speak up. Consider speaking to the girl who’s spreading rumors.
4. Care for yourself.

Call a Lawyer. If you believe you have been a victim of slander, then you can file a defamation suit and get special damages. But slander claims can be complicated and very detailed. An attorney experienced in defamation can help you with your legal issue and determine whether you can bring a defamation suit.

If you meet the requirements for a civil action, you can sue someone for defamation, whether libel or slander, if they have written or said something bad about you. However, you must be able to prove the necessary elements of a defamation suit if you wish to collect damages.

These eight tips can help turn the situation around:

1. Regulate your negative emotions.
2. Expand your perspective.
3. Practice self-compassion, and even forgiveness.
4. De-identify from the situation.
5. Consider how to respond.
6. Give it time.
7. Focus on what’s going right.
8. Remember that you are not alone.

Gossip can be an insidious form of bullying or harassment. If the intent is to demean, propagate lies or half truths about people, or designed to hurt, denigrate and destroy reputations behind people’s backs, then gossip has crossed a line into workplace harassment.

Everyone has a right to their network. There is a difference between gossip and defamation of character. Defamation of character is illegal because a person’s reputation is considered their property right.

The Lawsuit is Filed The filing of the lawsuit starts the clock running on when the case might get to trial. Every state’s pretrial procedures are different, but generally it will take between a year and a half and three years after the lawsuit is filed for a defamation case to get to trial.

That usually becomes clear within the first 30 to 90 days after a defamation claim arises, during which time settlement would be likely. The discovery phase usually lasts from six to 12 months following the lawsuit’s filing, and a defamation case can be settled at any point over that timeline.

A lawsuit can be settled through negotiations between you (or your attorney, if you are represented) and the defendant (or his or her attorney, if represented by one). Additionally, a case may be resolved with the help of a neutral third party, by way of mediation or arbitration.