difamación

Difamación is a legal term referring to the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements. It typically involves a public communication of false information that injures the character, business, or standing of another person or entity. The key elements usually include a false statement, publication to a third party, and harm to the subject's reputation.

There are two main types of defamation: libel and slander. Libel refers to defamatory statements that are written or published in a permanent form, such as in newspapers, books, online articles, or broadcasts. Slander, on the other hand, involves defamatory statements that are spoken or otherwise conveyed through transient means, like gestures or oral remarks.

The legal consequences of defamation can vary by jurisdiction. In many legal systems, a person who has been defamed can bring a civil lawsuit to seek damages for the harm caused. The plaintiff typically needs to prove that the statement was false, that it was communicated to at least one other person, and that it caused them financial or reputational damage. In some cases, particularly when public officials or figures are involved, there may be a higher burden of proof, requiring the plaintiff to demonstrate that the false statement was made with actual malice, meaning the publisher knew it was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Defamation laws are intended to protect individuals from baseless attacks on their character while balancing this with freedom of speech.