Defamation of Character, Slander, Libel, etc.
Wow. Am I sick of this one. These words are thrown around so easily, and so many don’t know what they even mean, let alone what it takes to win a civil suit on defamation or slander.
“Slander and libel are false or malicious claims that may harm someone’s reputation.” (Wikipedia)
Key word there: FALSE
Again, not a court of law, number one. Number two, not a civil court, either.
This is community.
Saying and writing things, even true, can bring about a civil case for defamation, which are extremely expensive and nearly impossible to win.
- Prove that the defendant made a defamatory statement about the plaintiff. A defamatory statement is one that damages a plaintiff’s reputation for good character.
- Prove that the defendant published the defamatory statement about the plaintiff
- Prove that the defendant knew that the defamatory statement was false. (Source)
That last one is the kicker. The burden of proof in a civil case is on the plaintiff.
Plus, the truth is a defense and sexual assault is a matter of public concern.
The Order of the White Feather 