slanders

Slander refers to a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation. It is a form of defamation, which broadly encompasses both spoken and written false statements that harm another's good name. Unlike libel, which is defamation in a written or permanent form, slander is temporary and spoken.

To establish slander, several elements typically need to be proven. These include the statement being false, that it was communicated to a third party, that the statement was understood to refer to the plaintiff, and that the statement caused damage to the plaintiff's reputation. In some jurisdictions, certain categories of slander, known as slander per se, are presumed to be damaging without requiring proof of specific harm. These categories often include accusations of serious crime, having a loathsome disease, or statements that prejudice a person in their trade, profession, or business.

The legal remedies for slander can include monetary damages to compensate the victim for the harm suffered. However, the burden of proof lies with the person claiming to have been slandered. Defenses against slander claims can include proving the statement was true, that it was an opinion rather than a factual assertion, or that it was protected by a privilege, such as statements made in court proceedings. The laws surrounding slander can vary significantly between different legal systems.