What are the consequences of defamation?

The general harm caused by defamation is identified as being ridiculed, shamed, hated, scorned, belittled or held in contempt by others, and lowers him/her in esteem of a reasonably prudent person, due to the communication of the false statement. This tort can result in a lawsuit for damages.

Can you defame someone with a bad reputation?

“Defamation of character” is a catch-all term for any statement that hurts someone’s reputation. Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong).

What are the exceptions available under defamation?

First Exception. —Imputation of truth which public good requires to be made or published. —It is not defamation to impute anything which is true concerning any person, if it be for the public good that the imputation should be made or published. —Public conduct of public servants.

Is slander illegal in NZ?

It is an area of law that requires a person to prove that they have been defamed. Therefore, they must show that a harmful statement about them was publicised or published by the person they are making a claim against.

Is it illegal to defame someone on social media?

Social media and review sites are under no legal obligation to remove defamatory content. In fact, they are specifically protected from defamation lawsuits under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. However, you can still file a lawsuit against the individual that posted the libelous statement.

Can a person defame without writing words?

To sue any person it is necessary to establish that real damage or harm has occurred to the reputation of the person. Only speaking or writing the words, picturing or gesturing does not amount to defamation until the reputation of the person has been harmed.