Defamation

Defamation is a communication that injures a third party's reputation and causes a legally redressable injury. The precise legal definition of defamation varies from country to country. It is not necessarily restricted to making assertions that are falsifiable, and can extend to concepts that are more abstract than reputation – like dignity and honour. In the English-speaking world, the law of defamation traditionally distinguishes between libel (written, printed, posted online, published in mass media) and slander (oral speech). It is treated as a civil wrong (tort, delict), as a criminal offence, or both.

Defamation and related laws can encompass a variety of acts (from general defamation and insult – as applicable to every citizen –‍ to specialized provisions covering specific entities and social structures):

• Defamation against a legal person in general
• Insult against a legal person in general
• Acts against public officials
• Acts against state institutions (government, ministries, government agencies, armed forces)
• Acts against state symbols
• Acts against the state itself
• Acts against heads of state
• Acts against religions (blasphemy)
• Acts against the judiciary or legislature (contempt of court)