What is the definition of defamation?

The definition of defamation is best captured by the notion of making a damaging, false statement about a person to others. This legal concept pertains to the protection of an individual's reputation. In defamation cases, it is essential that the statement in question is not only false but also made with malicious intent or negligence concerning the truth. The harm caused by such statements can lead to severe consequences for the affected person, including emotional distress and damage to their public image or career.

Defamation encompasses two primary forms: slander, which refers specifically to verbal statements, and libel, which pertains to written statements. Each involves conveying false information that can have detrimental effects on the subject's reputation in the eyes of others. Thus, the essence of defamation lies in the falsehood and the resulting harm to an individual's reputation due to the statements made.