Kusownictwo

Kusownictwo is a term used in Polish to describe the act of spreading false statements or rumors about another person with the aim of damaging their reputation. It commonly involves presenting allegations as facts that the speaker knows to be false or should have known to be false. Kusownictwo can be carried out in private conversations, in the media, or online via social networks, chat apps, or forums. The consequences for victims include damage to reputation, social standing, employment, and personal relationships, and it can cause emotional distress.

Legal framework and scope: In Poland, actions resembling kusownictwo may constitute civil wrongdoing under the protection of personal rights (naruszenie dóbr osobistych), resulting in liability for damages and possibly corrective actions. In several cases, such conduct can also be prosecuted criminally as pomówienie (false accusation) or zniesławienie (insulting or reputational harm), depending on the content and context. The exact classification and penalties depend on jurisdiction and the specifics of the statement.

Contexts and methods: Kusownictwo often arises in environments with low friction for dissemination—familial disputes, workplace dynamics, and online platforms. It ranges from alleged misconduct to spreading unverified rumors about private life or professional competence. Addressing harm can involve moderation, fact-checking, and legal remedies such as apologies, retractions, or civil damages; in serious cases, criminal proceedings may be pursued.

Defenses and balance: Common defenses include truth of the statement, statements framed as opinion, absence of intent to harm, or claims made in good faith on matters of public concern. The protection of freedom of expression is balanced against the right to reputation and privacy, with outcomes influenced by jurisdiction and context.

See also: defamation, calumny, rumor, libel, slander.