Libel vs. Slander — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Libel refers to a false statement that damages someone's reputation through written or published medium. Slander is also a false statement that harms someone's reputation but is spoken, not written.
Difference Between Libel and Slander
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Libel involves written or published statements that defame someone's character or reputation. It's a permanent form that can be referred to again and again. Slander, on the other hand, is defamation through spoken words, gestures, or other non-permanent forms.
Libel cases typically require the plaintiff to prove the statement was false, damaging, and that the defendant was at fault. Slander cases often have an extra burden of proving that the statement led to actual, quantifiable damage, due to its ephemeral nature.
Legally, libel usually has a longer statute of limitations compared to slander, because it exists in a more permanent medium. Slander, being temporary, often requires quicker legal action for redress.
In the realm of media, libel is a significant concern for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Slander is more relevant to oral communications, like radio shows or spoken interviews, where statements are not written down.
Both libel and slander are subcategories of defamation, but the laws governing them can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Understanding the distinction is crucial for both legal proceedings and ethical considerations.
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Comparison Chart
Medium
Written/Published
Spoken
Permanence
Permanent
Temporary
Legal Requirements
Prove falsity, damage, fault
Prove falsity, damage, fault, and sometimes actual damage
Common in
Print Media, Websites
Oral Communication
Statute of Limitations
Usually Longer
Usually Shorter
Compare with Definitions
Libel
A written attack using false information.
The celebrity filed a libel suit against the tabloid.
Slander
A false spoken statement causing personal damage.
Slanderous rumors ruined her social life.
Libel
Defamation in written or published form.
The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false accusations.
Slander
A fleeting, false spoken statement causing damage.
Her career suffered due to a moment of slander.
Libel
A false statement in print that harms someone's reputation.
Her libelous blog post cost him his job.
Slander
Verbal defamation harming someone's reputation.
The politician accused his opponent of spreading slander.
Libel
A false published representation affecting someone's honor.
His photo was used in a libelous context.
Slander
An oral act of false accusation.
He sued for slander after the false verbal accusations.
Libel
A legally punishable written falsehood.
She was fined for committing libel.
Slander
Untrue words spoken maliciously to defame.
Slander in the workplace can be devastating.
Libel
A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation
He was found guilty of a libel on a Liverpool inspector of taxes
Slander
The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation
He is suing the TV company for slander
Libel
(in admiralty and ecclesiastical law) a plaintiff's written declaration.
Slander
Make false and damaging statements about (someone)
They were accused of slandering the head of state
Libel
Defame (someone) by publishing a libel
The jury found that he was libelled by a newspaper
Slander
(Law) Oral communication of false and malicious statements that damage the reputation of another.
Libel
(in admiralty and ecclesiastical law) bring a suit against
If a ship does you any injury you libel the ship
Slander
A false and malicious statement or report about someone.
Libel
The legally indefensible publication or broadcast of words or images that are degrading to a person or injurious to that person's reputation.
Slander
To utter a slander about.
Libel
An incidence of such publication or broadcast.
Slander
To utter or spread slander.
Libel
The written claims initiating a suit in an admiralty court.
Slander
A false or unsupported, malicious statement (spoken, not written), especially one which is injurious to a person's reputation; the making of such a statement.
Libel
To publish or broadcast a libel about (a person).
Slander
(Internet) A collection of humorous videos intended to poke fun at a certain group of people, such as a community or nation
Libel
(countable) A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
Slander
To utter a slanderous statement about; baselessly speak ill of.
Libel
(uncountable) The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
Slander
(Internet) To poke fun at a certain group of people
Libel
(countable) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
Slander
A false tale or report maliciously uttered, tending to injure the reputation of another; the malicious utterance of defamatory reports; the dissemination of malicious tales or suggestions to the injury of another.
Whether we speak evil of a man to his face or behind his back; the former way, indeed, seems to be the most generous, but yet is a great fault, and that which we call "reviling;" the latter is more mean and base, and that which we properly call "slander", or "Backbiting."
[We] make the careful magistrateThe mark of slander.
Libel
A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
Slander
Disgrace; reproach; dishonor; opprobrium.
Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb.
Libel
(countable) A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
Slander
Formerly, defamation generally, whether oral or written; in modern usage, defamation by words spoken; utterance of false, malicious, and defamatory words, tending to the damage and derogation of another; calumny. See the Note under Defamation.
Libel
To defame (someone), especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
He libelled her when he published that.
Slander
To defame; to injure by maliciously uttering a false report; to tarnish or impair the reputation of by false tales maliciously told or propagated; to calumniate.
O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
Libel
To proceed against (goods, a ship, etc.) by filing a libel claim.
Slander
To bring discredit or shame upon by one's acts.
Tax not so bad a voiceTo slander music any more than once.
Libel
A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
A libel of forsaking [divorcement].
Slander
Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
Libel
Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
Slander
An abusive attack on a person's character or good name
Libel
A malicious publication expressed either in print or in writing, or by pictures, effigies, or other signs, tending to expose another to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. Such publication is indictable at common law.
Slander
Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone;
The journalists have defamed me!
The article in the paper sullied my reputation
Libel
The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.
Libel
A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
Libel
To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon.
Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair.
Libel
To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.
Libel
To spread defamation, written or printed; - with against.
What's this but libeling against the senate?
[He] libels now 'gainst each great man.
Libel
A tort consisting of false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
Libel
The written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defammation) and any relief he seeks
Libel
Print slanderous statements against;
The newspaper was accused of libeling him
Common Curiosities
What is libel?
Libel is written or published defamation.
Is libel more serious than slander?
Libel is often considered more serious due to its permanent nature.
How do you prove slander?
You must prove the statement is false, damaging, and sometimes show actual, quantifiable harm.
Can you sue for slander online?
Technically, spoken false statements online could be considered slander, but they're often treated as libel if they're recorded.
What is slander?
Slander is spoken defamation.
Is libel a crime?
In the U.S., it's generally a civil issue, not a criminal one.
Can I sue for libel on social media?
Yes, social media posts can be subject to libel laws.
How do you prove libel?
Generally, you must prove the statement is false, damaging, and that the defendant was at fault.
Can a public figure sue for libel?
Yes, but they often have a higher burden of proof, showing "actual malice."
Can businesses commit libel?
Yes, businesses can be sued for libel if they publish false statements harming someone.
How long do you have to file a libel lawsuit?
Statute of limitations varies, but it's generally longer than for slander.
Is slander a crime?
Like libel, slander is usually a civil matter in the U.S.
Can businesses commit slander?
Yes, through false spoken statements about competitors, for example.
How long do you have to file a slander lawsuit?
Usually shorter than libel due to its temporary nature.
Can a truth be considered slander or libel?
Truth is generally an absolute defense against both libel and slander claims.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
