Defamation, sometimes called "defamation of character", is spoken or written words that falsely and negatively reflect on a living person's reputation.
If a person or the news media says or writes something about you that is understood to lower your reputation, or that keeps people from associating with you, defamation has occurred. Slander and libel are two forms of defamation.
Slander is a spoken defamation.
Libel is a written defamation. Generally, radio and television broadcasts that are defamatory are considered to be libel, rather than slander.
In order to prove defamation, you have to be able to prove that what was said or written about you was false. If the information is true, or if you consented to publication of the material, you will not have a case. However, you may bring an defamatory action if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.
WHAT ABOUT INSULTS AND EPITHETS? ARE THEY DEFAMATORY?
Generally, no. Usually they are seen as outbursts of emotion, with no real substance, except to show intense dislike.
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