calomnie

Calomnie is a term used to describe false statements about a person that are made with the intention of harming that person’s reputation. The word derives from the French calomnie, which itself comes from Latin calumnia, meaning a false accusation or trick. In common usage, calumny is often associated with accusations of wrongdoing or criminal conduct that are knowingly false or recklessly asserted as facts.

Legal and ethical context varies by jurisdiction, but calumny is generally treated as a form of defamation. Defamation covers false statements presented as facts that damage another’s reputation, while calumny often highlights the element of intentional falsehood aimed at harming a specific individual. Some legal systems distinguish calumny as a criminal offense, separate from civil defamation, punishable by penalties such as fines or imprisonment; others classify it under defamation, with civil remedies like damages and injunctions. Regardless of the category, key elements typically include a false statement, publication to a third party, harm to reputation, and fault or malice.

Defenses commonly include the truth of the statement, statements of opinion, lack of publication to third parties, or privilege in certain circumstances. Remedies emphasize repairing reputational harm and compensating losses, and modern cases increasingly involve online and social media platforms, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

Calomnie raises questions about truth, accountability, and freedom of expression, highlighting the tension between protecting individuals’ reputations and safeguarding free discourse. See also defamation, libel, slander, and reputation.