LIBEL AND SLANDER

TOPIC OF THE DAY

- THE MEANING OF LIBEL

- THE MEANING OF SLANDER

- THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN LIBEL AND SLANDER

- WHAT WE MEAN BY VULGAR ABUSE

THE MEANING OF LIBEL

Libel refers to written or published false statements that harm someone's reputation. It's legally actionable and typically involves proving the statement's falsehood, its damaging nature, and the publisher's negligence or malice. See the case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan and sections like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act are pivotal in shaping libel laws, highlighting the balance between free speech and protection against defamation.

THE MEANING OF SLANDER

Slander refers to spoken false statements that damage someone's reputation. It's actionable in court, requiring proof of the statement's falsity, its harmful impact, and often, the speaker's negligence or intent. See the case of Beauharnais v. Illinois and sections like Section 13 of the Defamation Act 2013 which illustrate legal precedents and statutes governing slander, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals from harmful speech while balancing free expression rights.

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN LIBEL AND SLANDER

The distinction between libel and slander lies in the medium of communication: libel involves written or published false statements, while slander involves spoken false statements. Both are forms of defamation and require proof of falsehood, harm, and often negligence or malice. See the case of Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co. and Section 1 of the Defamation Act 2013 which underscore the legal differences between the two, reflecting the evolving landscape of defamation law and its application in various communication contexts.

WHAT WE MEAN BY VULGAR ABUSE

Vulgar abuse refers to offensive or obscene language used to insult or degrade someone. It encompasses verbal attacks that go beyond mere criticism or disagreement. While not typically legally actionable like defamation, it can still lead to social consequences or civil liability in certain contexts. See the case of Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire and Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 which highlight legal frameworks addressing vulgar abuse, aiming to maintain public order and protect individuals from harassment or harm caused by abusive language.