Defamation is the term used when a
statement hurts a person's reputation. If the defamation is
spoken, it is called slander (written defamation is called libel).
Although slander is it not a
crime, it is a tort, meaning that one who has been slandered can sue
the offending party for damages in civil court. Defamation law
tries to balance two opposing ideas. One, that people should
be allowed freedom of expression without fear of being sued.
Two, that people should not destroy other people's lives by telling
lies and spreading rumors. Generally, slander is not
considered as serious as libel.
If you decide to sue someone for
slander, generally you will need to prove four things:
1) That the statement was
actually made.
2) That the statement was
"published," meaning heard by a third party.
3) That the statement was
false. Otherwise, it isn't considered damaging. And if
the statement is true, then it isn't considered slander.
4) That the false statement
caused some kind of injury to the person's reputation, meaning that
they were ostracized by neighbors or lost their job, etc.
And some people have
"privilege," meaning that they cannot be sued even if the
statements they make are false. These include witnesses in
court and lawmakers. In addition, public figures have less
protection from slander claims than do private citizens.