Defamation

Understanding what constitutes defamation and the legal implications of making defamatory statements or publishing defamatory material.

What is defamation and what does it include?

- "Defamation, at a first approximation, is any form of communication that can injure a third party's reputation."

What are the different modes of communication that can be considered defamation?

- "This can include all modes of human-understandable communications: gestures, images, signs, words."

Is defamation limited to assertions that are falsifiable?

- "It is not necessarily restricted to making assertions that are falsifiable, and can extend to concepts that are more abstract than reputation – like dignity and honour."

In order for a communication to be considered defamatory, what requirement must be fulfilled?

- "For a communication to be considered defamatory, it must be conveyed to someone other than the defamed."

How can defamation be distinguished based on the medium of communication?

- "Depending on the permanence or transience of the communication medium, defamation may be distinguished between libel (written, printed, posted online, published in mass media) and slander (spoken off the record)."

How is defamation treated in the legal system?

- "It is treated as a civil wrong (tort, delict), as a criminal offence, or both."

How do defamation laws vary between countries and jurisdictions?

- "The exact definition of defamation and related acts, as well as the ways they are dealt with, can vary greatly between countries and jurisdictions."

What are some examples of specific entities and social structures that may be covered by defamation laws?

- "Defamation and related laws can encompass a variety of acts... covering specific entities and social structures."

What is the difference between defamation and insult?

- "From general defamation and insult – as applicable to every citizen..."

Can acts against public officials be considered defamation?

- "Acts against public officials."

Are there specific laws regarding acts against state institutions?

- "Acts against state institutions (government, ministries, government agencies, armed forces)."

How are acts against state symbols addressed by defamation laws?

- "Acts against state symbols."

Can defamation laws cover acts against the state itself?

- "Acts against the state itself."

Are there legal ramifications for acts against heads of state?

- "Acts against heads of state."

How are acts against religions handled under defamation laws?

- "Acts against religions (blasphemy)."

Are there specific provisions in defamation laws regarding acts against the judiciary or legislature?

- "Acts against the judiciary or legislature (contempt of court)."

Do defamation laws vary in terms of including insults and opinions along with allegations of facts?

- "To what extent insults and opinions are included in addition to allegations of facts..."

Can proving the alleged facts serve as a valid defense against defamation?

- "To what extent proving the alleged facts is a valid defense."

Is defamation only applicable to individuals or can it apply to legal entities as well?

- "Defamation against a legal person in general."

How is insult against legal persons addressed under defamation laws?

- "Insult against a legal person in general."