Definition of Slander

Exploring the Definition of Slander

We are going to go into meaning of slander when it comes to defamation and the law. If you have ever wondered about the difference between slander and libel, we are going to help with that as well. Additionally, we will be adding posts about the latest slander news so that you can stay on top of changing laws. First, we are going to define slander so that there is no confusion. 

Basic Definition of Slander

slander [ˈslɑːndə] noun

  1. Law
    1. defamation in some transient form, as by spoken words, gestures, etc.
    2. a slanderous statement, etc.
  2. …any false or defamatory words spoken about a person; calumny

Libel vs Slander

As we outlined above, slander deals with spoken defamation. Libel, on the other hand, deals with written defamation. One of the easiest ways to remember the difference between the two is that slander starts with an S as does spoken. Either way, if you are dealing with slander or libel, there are a lot of other things you need to think about above and beyond the difference between slander and libel.

Short History of Slander

According to the Free Dictionary, the evolution of the word dates back to when Latin was in vogue (quite a few years ago.) The basic usage of the word is as follows…

[Middle English slaundre, from Old French esclandre, alteration of escandle, from Latin scandalum, cause of offense, stumbling block; see scandal.] (Source: The Free Dictionary)

Over the years, as law developed, slander and libel laws also appeared. Today, in most countries in the world, there are complex laws devoted to libel and slander.  Knowing the law – wherever you live in the world – is important if you want to avoid being taken to court for libel or slander.

The penalties for both will vary from country to country depending on where you are on the planet. In some countries, the punishment for slander or libel may be very harsh. In the United States, a civil tort that is won may result in fines having to be paid to the injured party.

Here are a few sources of further information if you are interested in learning more about slander.

  • The Devil in the Holy Water, or the Art of Slander from Louis XIV to Napoleon (University of Pennsylvania) – Robert Darnton’s cultural history of slander is a somewhat fascinating read as you learn how slander has been used as a tool for character assassination. Once slander starts to spread, sometimes the damage is done.
  • International Libel and Privacy Handbook: A Global Reference for Journalists, Publishers, Webmasters, and Lawyers (Bloomberg) [Hardcover] – While this book was written with journalists in mind, it is a good reference for lawyers or those who just have an interest in slander and libel.
  • The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law 2011 by Associated Press (Jul 26, 2011)  – If you want to stay up to date on media law (including slander and libel) you want to get this book from the Associated Press every year. It’s a good source of the most current information about Media law.
  • Sack on Defamation: Libel, Slander & Related Problems (Practising Law Institute Intellectual Property Law Library) by Robert D. Sack (Jun 21, 2010)  – While expensive – to some – this is a great guide on libel, slander and related issues. It is well worth the money.
  • The Culture of Slander in Early Modern England (Cambridge Studies in Renaissance Literature and Culture) by M. Lindsay Kaplan (Jan 15, 2007)  – If you are looking for more historical information on slander, this is a great close look at slander in early modern England.

There are many other great printed resources (aka books!) that go into slander more. Before you get our your credit card and make your order, keep browsing the site to learn more about the basics of slander. From the definition of slander to the future of slander laws, we take a look at it all and give you the best, most interesting information we possibly can give you.

Future of Slander Laws

While for many years the world wide web has been primarily text based, more and more are starting to publish videos online. Because slander laws deal with spoken defamation, there may be a chance that slander cases increase in the future. Whether you want to avoid being sued for slander or want to sue someone for slander, keep browsing our site to get more information. We give you the definition of slander, of course, but we give you so much more as well.

Beyond the Slander Definition

As you can clearly see by the information above, we are passionate when it comes to slander and libel, although we tend to concentrate more on slander. To be honest, the libel vs slander question is probably going to be asked for years to come. Luckily, we are here to give you interesting and useful information about slander and how it might have an effect on your life. Even if you are not a celebrity, there is a chance that you could be hurt by slander (or libel), which is why knowing current slander laws is important.

If you want to protect yourself by arming yourself with knowledge about slander laws and keeping up to date on all the latest slander news, you need to bookmark our site so you can check back as we strive to become the premiere place for information about slander (and libel) on the Internet.