Defamation

Defamation can be defined as a statement claimed to be a fact about a person or a government or any other body which may harm the image of the person, government or body. Defamation can be in the form of libel, slander or vilification. Libel is considered to be defamation through spoken words. Slander is defamation through publication. Vilification means false accusation or misrepresentation of someone’s words or statements.

Defamation is a very tricky subject. There are certain facts about people, government or any other body which need to be made public in public interest. At the same time, the disclosed facts should be really in the interest of the public or a cause. If such fact is found to be unnecessary for the common public to know, the statements can be called defamatory. Defamation can also be a result of household feuds made public by the parties. For example, if spouses bring out each other’s secrets in public, it can be called defamation.

Different law systems have varied definitions of defamation. In some countries, the media is not allowed to publish any personal information about the government or celebrities or popular social figures.

The judiciary of different countries treat the extent of defamation in various own ways. But in common laws, slander means any malicious or false spoken word or statement against any other body. It also includes derogatory remarks against any body, in public.

The biggest disadvantage of defamation is that the complainant does not have to prove that the accusations are true. In fact, the plaintiff needs to defend by proving that the statements made by the complainant are false.

Whatever it is, defamation is generally done to settle personal or political scores. There are laws and there are loop holes. Defamation can lead to judicial suits and long cases in the court but claiming damages caused due to defamation can be longer.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/