What is the difference between libel and slander? Are they the same as defamation?
Our Media and Defamation solicitors can advise you in this specialist area of the law.
Defamation is an umbrella term for both libel and slander as well as malicious falsehood. The key difference between these terms is that libel is written defamation, while slander is oral defamation.
You can seek to make a claim in libel if someone has published something about you that is false and defamatory (i.e. affects your reputation), and you have suffered damage or harm due to the statement made. The damage suffered in cases of defamation is usually to your reputation, but you may suffer financial harm and loss too.
Examples of the types of wrongful statements that can be made may include:
- Allegations that the person has or is engaging in criminal activity.
- Communication that exposes the person to hatred or ridicule.
- Communication that suggests the person suffers from a mental or physical defect.
What are my rights if I have been defamed?
As a Claimant, your rights include:
- The right to an injunction to stop the defamatory remarks;
- The right to damages to compensate for loss and hurt and injury to feelings;
- Legal costs.
We excel at providing Clear, Precise Advice delivered in a straightforward manner. Contact our Corporate and Commercial team on 01772 555176 or email Commercial@vslaw.co.uk for more information regarding Media and Defamation.
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I have been using Michael for commercial legal work for 20+ years. He has been a true asset to my business, dealing with many issues during that time.
Supportive and Responsive
I found Michael supportive throughout the process of selling my small business. I particularly appreciated how promptly he replied to any queries I had. I felt completely confident in the advice he gave me and want to thank him and his team for all their assistance.
Clear Advice Feels Better
I turned to Vincent’s with a challenging situation that needed very careful handling. Michael and Drew were respectful, understanding and supportive. This made them easy to liaise with and I always felt they had my back. Good at listening to what I wanted, we worked together in finding the best way to draw the matter to a close. This eased my stress and worry. I now highly recommend their services to anyone who needs legal advice and help. Thank you both.
Clear Advice Feels Better
I have been using Michael Sandys for commercial legal work for 20+ years. He has been a true asset to my business, dealing with many issues during that time.
Clear Advice Feels Better
I found Michael supportive throughout the process of selling my small business. I particularly appreciated how promptly he replied to any queries I had. I felt completely confident in the advice he gave me and want to thank him and his team for all their assistance.
Clear Advice Feels Better
Thanks Michael, and Drew, everything seems to have gone through smoothly.
I really appreciate the work both have you have done during this process. You have acted both professionally and also very personably, which I feel is important in such a business transaction. Based on my experience, I would have no hesitation in recommending you both personally should someone require similar services.
Thanks again
Clear Advice Feels Better
I have been using Michael for commercial legal work for 20+ years. He has been a true asset to my business, dealing with many issues during that time.
Supportive and Responsive
I found Michael supportive throughout the process of selling my small business. I particularly appreciated how promptly he replied to any queries I had. I felt completely confident in the advice he gave me and want to thank him and his team for all their assistance.
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