liability for defamation

Liability for defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement about another person that harms their reputation. To be held liable, the statement must be untrue, and it must be presented as fact rather than opinion. The law generally requires proof that the statement caused damage, like loss of reputation or standing in the community. Defamation can happen through spoken words (slander) or written words (libel). However, public figures and officials often have higher standards to prove liability, such as showing the statement was made with "actual malice"—meaning it was knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for truth.