Calumny refers to the act of making false and malicious statements about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. It is a form of defamation and can be considered a civil offence. In legal terms, calumny involves the dissemination of false information that harms the character or reputation of an individual or entity. The injured party may have the right to pursue legal action against the person responsible for spreading calumnious statements.
Calumny refers to the act of making false and malicious statements about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.
In many jurisdictions, calumny falls under defamation laws, which can be both a civil and criminal offense depending on the severity and jurisdiction.
Calumny is a specific type of defamation that involves making false and damaging statements about someone. Defamation, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses both oral (slander) and written (libel) false statements that harm someone’s reputation.
Yes, if someone has made false and damaging statements about you, you may have grounds to file a defamation lawsuit against them.
To succeed in a calumny lawsuit, you generally need to prove that the statements made were false, that they were made with malicious intent, and that they caused harm to your reputation.
Public figures have a higher burden of proof in defamation cases. They must prove that the false statements were made with “actual malice,” meaning the person making the statements knew they were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
While freedom of speech is protected, making false and damaging statements about someone is not considered protected speech. There are limitations to free speech when it comes to defamatory statements.
No, calumny itself cannot be a defence in a defamation lawsuit. If the statements made are proven to be false and damaging, it does not matter if the person making them believed them to be true.
If successful in a calumny lawsuit, you may be entitled to various remedies, including monetary damages, injunctions to stop further publication of false statements, and retractions or apologies from the person who made the false statements.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 4th April 2024.
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