The tort of defamation

The tort of defamation involves making false statements about someone that harm their reputation. If a statement is published to others and damages the person's good name—either through spoken words (slander) or written words (libel)—they may have grounds to sue for defamation. To succeed, the person claiming defamation must prove the statement was false, damaging, made without adequate permission or privilege, and that the defendant acted negligently or intentionally. Defamation aims to balance free speech with protecting individuals from false and damaging statements.