Defamation

Defamation is a false statement presented as fact that harms another person’s reputation. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may lead to civil liability or criminal punishment.

Falsity: The quality of a statement that is contrary to fact. A false factual claim is central to defamation; truth generally defeats a defamation claim.
Opinion (law): A viewpoint or evaluative judgment that is not ordinarily verifiable as true or false. An opinion is generally not defamatory unless it implies a false, provable factual claim.
Demand letter: A formal request that a person take specified action before a lawsuit is filed. A claimant may demand correction, retraction, or compensation before suing.
Chilling effect: The deterrence of lawful expression caused by fear of legal or other penalties. Expensive defamation suits can discourage accurate reporting and criticism.
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan: A 1964 U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring public officials to prove actual malice in certain defamation actions. The decision established a constitutional protection for criticism of public officials.
Publication (law): Communication of information to at least one person other than its subject. Defamation generally requires the statement to reach someone besides the person it concerns.
Invasion of privacy: A group of legal claims addressing certain intrusions into private life, disclosure, or misuse of personal information. Privacy claims may apply even when published information is true, unlike defamation.
Retraction statute: A law that gives publishers incentives or procedures to correct or retract allegedly defamatory material. Retraction rules can affect damages and deadlines in defamation cases.
Anti-SLAPP law: A law providing procedures to dismiss lawsuits targeting participation in public debate. Anti-SLAPP statutes address claims alleged to burden speech through costly litigation.
Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.: A 1974 U.S. Supreme Court decision addressing standards and damages in defamation suits by private individuals. The ruling distinguished private plaintiffs from public officials and public figures.

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