Slander

"It's only slander if it's false," say legal analysts, noting that malicious rumors are often confused with protected, albeit unkind, opinions. An opinion, no matter how nasty, is generally not actionable. Slander must misrepresent facts.

Slander and Defamation of Character: A 101 - Bochetto & Lentz slander

Require falsity, a third-party listener/reader, and damage. "It's only slander if it's false," say legal

The statement must be factually incorrect. Truth is an absolute defense. Slander and Defamation of Character: A 101 -

Furthermore, legal action requires proving actual damage, except in cases of slander per se —statements so inherently harmful (e.g., falsely accusing someone of a crime, infectious disease, or professional incompetence) that damage is assumed. The Digital Age: When Spoken Becomes Permanent

The Whispering Weapon: Understanding the Anatomy and Consequences of Slander

For a statement to be actionable slander, it generally must be: