The law of defamation is to protect the reputation of the people. Its main purpose is to control the freedom of speech and guard those in the “spot light”. Defamation is an intentional tort. It is harm done through false statements or actions to deliberately hurt the reputation of an individual. These false attacks are done through either libel or slander. Libel is the visual vilification. The printings of lies or misleading photos are typically characteristics of this. Libel exposes or subjects you to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or disgrace, or causes you to be shunned or avoided, or injures you in your occupation. Slander is the type of defamation that you hear. This is generally in the form of rumors or inflated stories. Naturally, anything that we speak about in our daily lives can be insulting to ones reputation but not always can a case be made out of it.
In order to bring defamatory charges against someone certain requirements need to be present. One of the main necessities is the actual defamatory statement. This is the statement that has tendency to harm. This statement needs to be relayed to a good citizen rather than one of grim social standing, For example, a drug dealer. Once a statement is ackno
Defamation is important to know especially when it comes to the environment in which you work. If, in any way, your employer defames you, you are entitled to sue. If the reason for your termination is because of a false statement against you, you can sue for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. The sufferer can sue for punitive or punishment damages.
(e) Innocent dissemination- this is for the party who had no knowledge of the content. Ex-messengers carrying sealed packages.
(b) Fair comment on a matter of public interest- this deals with opinion. The defendant uses this defense to distinguish between opinion and fact. He/she must “honestly believe” the opinion.
(a) Truth- this requires calling an eyewitness to testify that the statements made against the plaintiff is true. This procedure is expensive and risky and usually used as a last resort.
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