DEFAMATION

defamation,n.1. The act of harming the reputation of another by making a false statement to a

third  person.  •  If  the  alleged  defamation  involves  a  matter  of  public  concern,  the  plaintiff  is

constitutionally required to prove both the statement’s falsity and the defendant’s fault. 2. A false

written  or  oral  statement  that  damages  another’s  reputation.  See  LIBEL;  SLANDER.  Cf. [Blacks Law 8th]