SCANDALUM MAGNATUM
scandalum magnatum (skan-d<<schwa>>-l<<schwa>>m mag-nay-t<<schwa>>m). [Law
Latin] Hist. Actionable slander of powerful people; specif., defamatory comments regarding
persons of high rank, such as peers, judges, or state officials.
“Words spoken in derogation of a peer, a judge, or other great officer of the realm, which are
called scandalum magnatum, are held to be still more heinous; and, though they be such as would
not be actionable in the case of a common person, yet when spoken in disgrace of such high and
respectable characters, they amount to an atrocious injury: which is redressed by an action on the
case founded on many ancient statutes; as well on behalf of the crown, to inflict the punishment of
imprisonment on the slanderer, as on behalf of the party, to recover damages for the injury
sustained.” 3 William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England 123–24 (1768). [Blacks Law 8th]