libel

Truth

Proving the allegedly defamatory statement is substantially true

Opinion

Statements of opinion are protected free speech

Absolute privilege

Certain official statements, like court testimony

Qualified privileg

Statements made with a legal/moral duty to speak

Consent

The plaintiff agreed to the publication of the statement

Statute of limitations

Defamation claims must be filed within set time limits

Defamatory

tends to harm the subject's reputation by exposing them to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, or scorn

Falsity

The statement must be false; truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim. The plaintiff generally has the burden of proving the statement is false

publication

The communication of a defamatory statement to a third party, which is essential to establish a defamation claim.

Identification

The statement must be "of and concerning" the plaintiff, meaning it must clearly identify them, even if they are not named directly.

Fault

The plaintiff must prove the defendant acted with the required degree of fault. This is often negligence for private figures and actual malice for public figures.

Damages

The false and defamatory statement must have caused actual harm or damages to the plaintiff's reputation, such as financial loss.

Six Defenses Of Libel

Truth, Opinion, Absolute Privilege, Qualified Privilege, Consent, Statue Of Limitations

6 Ways Of Proving Libel

Defamatory, falsity, fault, publication, identification, damages

Libel

The publication/ broadcast of any false statement/ fact that can harm one's reputation.