When it comes to tackling an often confusing and misunderstood legal issue like slander, it pays to dive deep and get the big picture. So what exactly is slander? In short, slander is a type of false statement that has the potential to harm a person’s reputation and can be spoken, written or even expressed through a gesture. Under the law, slander is a form of defamation.
To be clear, slander does not need to rise to the level of libel (which is the written form of defamation) to be considered actionable. In fact, only the action or behavior needs to cause actual harm, as opposed to intent or malice. In this way, innocent misunderstandings or careless criticism are just as capable of coming under the umbrella of slander as direct insults with the intention to damage another’s credibility.
Given its powerful capacity for damage, the law is very serious when it comes to cases of slander. As with libel, if the plaintiff or injured party can prove the statement was false and damaging, then the offender may be required to pay compensation for any harm incurred. Due to this possibility, some instances of criticism should be avoided altogether, while other types of criticism should be presented in such a way that reveals a greater degree of responsibility.
Examples of Slander in Today’s Digital Age
Although slander has been around for centuries, the digital age has provided new and unique avenues for false and damaging statements to be shared. Today, the online world is awash with false accusations that could potentially lead to real lawsuits. With the rise of social media, careers and even personal relationships have been harmed by one ill-thought comment that can be shared to a global audience in an instant.
A classic example of an online slander would be a celebrity’s manager calling out a specific individual in a tweet with a statement that not only hurts the reputation of the person but also involves them in some kind of criminal activity. Whether or not the allegation is true, it’s easy to see how such a statement could result in legal action being taken.
Conclusion: Checking Before You Speak Is Key to Avoiding Slander Claims
The key to avoiding slander is to be mindful of the consequences of our statements — whether they be spoken aloud, online or otherwise. Any individual with a public presence should always consider the ramifications of any statement before they make it, and those receiving criticism should always consider the potential for legal action.
All in all, it should be clear that slander is not to be taken lightly. It’s a powerful tool that can cause real damage and does not always require an intent to harm to be effective. This is why understanding the concept behind slander is essential if you are to avoid the possibility of a costly lawsuit.