What is the legal definition of defamation, libel or slander?

[black.hawk]

Is it still possible to be guilty of defamation, libel or slander if you had not intentionally given false testimony against someone, which would tend to malign that person's image/reputation?

This question relates to the idea of false testimony in the Bible, as all Christians are commanded never to give false testimony against their neighbour, l'est they suffer from divine retribution on the day of Judgement (Exodus 20:16, Romans 12:19, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Revelation 21:8).

But the point we need to consider here is whether or not a person can still be guilty of such a sin if s/he did not intentionally lie about someone (With the effect of maligning that person's image/reputation).

Discuss

 

[Philip_B]

My understanding is that 'truth is no defence' is such matters. It does not simply need to be true, it needs to be in the public interest that it be said or written.

Given that libel and slander must be either spoken or written, I don't see how you can do it unintentionally. What may be unintended is the consequence of the damage caused. For example you may have spoken ill of someone, and it then transpires that what you have said has led to that person losing their employment. The consequence of that may well be real and substantial damages suffered by that person and they might seek reparation for the loss of income. The libel or slander is not what was unintended, though the damage resulting may have been unintended.

The prevalence of social media has opened to door to a great deal of this, and it should remind us to speak carefully about one another, as we do not know who is listening.

 

[Paidiske]

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