Difference Between Defamation and Slander
Main difference
The main difference between Libel and Slander is that Libel is a defamatory record or statement in writing, while Slander is a defamatory verbal record or statement.
libel against calumny
Slander is a kind of defamatory statements in written form. Slander is a defamatory statement in oral form. Defamation is the act of tarnishing someone’s reputation through negative written, published, or broadcast statements; on the other hand, slander refers to the act of damaging one’s reputation by making oral or spoken statements. Defamation in words or images in print is known as libel. Defamation in spoken words or gestures is known as slander.
Defamation is tangible as it is in print, in written form or in the form of images. Slander is intangible because it is presented in spoken form or in the form of gestures. It can also be said that slander is non-verbal slander while slander is verbal slander. Examples of defamation are written statements in newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Examples of defamation are in-person interactions, for example being inside a company and discrediting any of its employees by yelling false accusations.
It is easy to prove libel in court because it is in written form. It is difficult to prove calumny, since it has no more form than some words that were being said. The limitation for defamation is six years. The limitation for defamation is two years. Statements made online, or on television or radio fall into the category of defamation because they cover a wider audience and cause great defamation to the target person.
Comparison chart
| Defamation | Slander |
| An act of tarnishing someone’s reputation through negative statements written, published, or broadcast. | An act of damaging one’s reputation by making oral or spoken statements |
| To form | |
| Written | Oral |
| Limitation | |
| Six years | Two years |
| type of defamation | |
| Non verbal | Verbal |
| Taste | |
| Easy | Hard |
| examples | |
| Statements are written in newspapers, magazines and blogs, statements are broadcast on radio or television. | In-person interactions, for example staying inside a company and discrediting any of its employees by shouting false accusations. |
What is lib?
Slander is known as a type of defamation. Slander is defamation in printed or written form or in the form of images. It is considered illegal and persons who make such statements are liable in civil or criminal proceedings in state courts. First Amendment protections of free speech in the United States limit libel lawsuits. Libel refers to written or published defamation. Statement in newspapers, magazines and blogs falls into the category of defamation. Statements made online are considered defamation. Also, libel done on television or radio is also known as libel. Libel can be from small or large scale publications,
Any statement that is intended to ridicule someone, spread hate, or disparage others is considered defamation. It can not be just a person, but also an entity, for example, a newspaper, a magazine, a product, a company, a political organization, etc. However, in a lawsuit, the victim has the opportunity to prove that the statement about him/her is false. or lie The security of the statement is false in court, and the intentions of the person who made a defamatory statement must be proven malicious. Proving libel is easier than proving libel because it is in published form, and the act of publication itself is considered an act to harm the other person.
Types of Defamation Damages
- General damages: loss of reputation, embarrassment, hurt feelings
- Special damages: damage to property, trade, profession or occupation
- Punitive damages: they intend to punish the accused
What is calumny?
Slander can be a false statement about someone that has the potential to damage their reputation, for example, an accusation of having committed a crime, having a disgusting disease, etc. a person or group, company, product, government, religion, or the entire nation. Opinions do not fall into the category of defamation. For example, calling someone a murderer if he was not convicted of murder is slander. However, calling someone stupid or an idiot is not slander. There are also laws and legal penalties for defamation and slander. In civil lawsuits, the defendant pays monetary damages to the guilty party.
Slander is oral or spoken defamation that states a lie about a person, organization, product, and the like. Slanders are difficult to specify and prove. Although slander is oral defamation, words spoken on television or radio are slander, not slander, because the broadcast reaches a larger audience. In most cases, the court considers libel if it causes real and proven harm to someone. In the example below, it will not be considered slander if the restaurant does not lose money and diners continue to come and eat there.
examples
- in-person interactions
- Stand inside a company and discredit any of its employees by shouting false accusations
Key differences
- Defamation in words or images in print is known as libel; on the contrary, defamation in spoken words or gestures is known as slander.
- Slander is a kind of libelous statement in written form while slander is a libelous statement in oral form.
- The limitation for defamation is six years; on the other hand, the limitation for defamation is two years.
- Defamation is the act of tarnishing someone’s reputation through negative written, published, or broadcast statements; on the other hand, slander refers to the act of damaging one’s reputation by making oral or spoken statements.
- The defamation is tangible; on the contrary, calumny is intangible.
- It is easy to prove libel in court because it is in written form; on the other hand, it is difficult to prove calumny since it has no more form than some words that were being said.
- Slander is non-verbal defamation; conversely, slander is verbal defamation.
Final Thought
Libel and Slander are the two terms that refer to the types of defamation. Both terms are a bit different in relation to each other. Libel is oral defamation, while Calumny is written.