Defamation facts for kids

Defamation is when someone says or writes something untrue about another person that harms their good name or reputation. When people talk about defamation, they usually mean statements that are not true and are against the law. A statement that causes defamation is called defamatory.

To be defamatory, a statement must claim to be a fact, not just an opinion. For example, saying, "Mr. Jones is mean" is an opinion, so it cannot be defamatory. But if someone says, "Mr. Jones steals candy from children," this statement is defamatory if it is not true. That's because it claims to be a fact, not just an opinion.

If a defamatory statement is written down, like in a book or newspaper, it's called libel. If it's spoken out loud, it's called slander. Someone who has been defamed can sue the person who wrote or said the untrue things. Defamation can also be a form of bullying.

Defamation laws around the world

Laws about defamation are different in various countries. In most places, defamation is considered a civil wrong, also known as a tort. This means it's a dispute between individuals, not usually a crime that sends someone to jail.

In many countries, the person who claims they were defamed has to prove that the statement made about them was false. However, in England, it works the other way around. If someone says a statement is defamatory, the person who made the statement has to prove that what they said was true.