Alabama Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Alabama defamation laws explained: a 2-year filing deadline under Code 6-2-38, defamation per se, retraction demands, and why Alabama has no anti-SLAPP statute.
8 min read
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Defamation Laws
154 articles
Alaska Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Alaska defamation laws: a 2-year deadline under AS 09.10.070, defamation per se, no anti-SLAPP statute, and how Rule 82 fee-shifting affects defendants.
8 min read
Argentina Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Argentina defamation is civil and criminal, but since Law 26.551 (2009) calumnia and injurias carry fines only, never prison, not for public matters.
7 min read
Arizona Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Arizona defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under A.R.S. 12-541, defamation per se, the single-publication rule, and Arizona's expanded anti-SLAPP statute.
8 min read
Arkansas Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Arkansas defamation laws explained: slander has a 1-year deadline, libel 3 years, plus defamation per se, the anti-SLAPP statute, and how to sue for defamation.
8 min read
Australia Defamation Laws: 2021 Reforms & How to Sue
Australia defamation law: the 2021 serious-harm reforms, the public-interest defence, the damages cap, key cases, and how to sue, with statute citations.
9 min read
Australia's 'Stage 2' Defamation Reforms Take Effect, Rewriting When Online Platforms Are Liable for Other People's Posts
NSW and the ACT switched on Australia's digital-intermediary defamation reforms on 1 July 2024, with Victoria following on 11 September 2024. Here is what
6 min read
Austria Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Austria defamation is both criminal and civil. StGB sections 111, 115 and 297 create the offences; ABGB 1330 and the Media Act allow damages.
8 min read
Bahrain Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Bahrain is both civil and criminal: Penal Code articles 364-366 (up to 2 years) and Law 60/2014 on IT crimes for online insult and slander.
7 min read
Bangladesh Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Bangladesh is both a crime (Penal Code ss. 499-500, up to 2 years) and a civil tort; the separate online offence was repealed in 2025.
7 min read
Belgium Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Belgium defamation is both criminal and civil. Penal Code arts 443 to 453 punish calomnie and diffamation; Civil Code art 1382 allows damages.
8 min read
Brazil Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Brazil is both criminal (Penal Code arts 138-140) and civil (Civil Code arts 186, 927). Crimes against honour, defences and damages explained.
7 min read
Bulgaria Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Bulgaria defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code Articles 146 to 148 punish insult and defamation with fines, not prison.
6 min read
California Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
California defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under CCP 340(c), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and a strong anti-SLAPP statute (CCP 425.16).
7 min read
Cameroon Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Cameroon is both civil and criminal: Penal Code section 305 punishes it with jail and fines, and the 2010 cybercrime law covers online posts.
8 min read
Can a Public Figure Sue for Defamation?
Yes, a public figure can sue for defamation, but must prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence (NYT v. Sullivan). How the standard works.
7 min read
Can You Go to Jail for Defamation of Character?
Can you go to jail for defamation? In most of the US it is a civil matter, but 15 states still have criminal defamation laws. Here is when each applies.
7 min read
Canada Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Canada is both civil (common law and Quebec Civil Code) and, rarely, criminal under Criminal Code ss.298-301. Defences, damages and limits.
7 min read
Chile Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Chile defamation is civil and criminal: calumnia and injuria are Penal Code crimes (Arts 412-431), and victims can also sue for civil damages.
7 min read
China Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in China is both civil (Civil Code arts. 1024-1025) and criminal (Criminal Law art. 246, up to 3 years), with 2013 online thresholds.
7 min read
Colombia Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Colombia defamation is civil and criminal: injuria (Art 220) and calumnia (Art 221) are crimes under the Penal Code (Law 599/2000), with prison and fines.
7 min read
Colorado Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Colorado defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under C.R.S. 13-80-103, libel vs slander, defamation per se, and the 2019 anti-SLAPP statute (13-20-1101).
7 min read
Connecticut Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Connecticut defamation laws: a 2-year deadline under C.G.S. 52-597, libel vs slander, defamation per se, and the 2017 anti-SLAPP statute (52-196a).
7 min read
Costa Rica Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Costa Rica is both a crime (Penal Code arts 145-152: injuria, difamacion, calumnia) and a civil matter, but prison was abolished in 2010.
8 min read
Court of Appeal Reopens Laurence Fox Libel Fight, Reshaping the 'Serious Harm' Test in English Defamation Law
In Blake v Fox [2025] EWCA Civ 1321, the Court of Appeal revived Fox's libel counterclaim and clarified how serious harm is proved under section 1 of the
6 min read
Croatia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Croatia defamation is both criminal and civil. The Criminal Code punishes insult and calumny with fines; civil claims allow damages.
6 min read
Cyprus Defamation Laws: Civil Liability & Defences
In Cyprus defamation is a civil matter only; criminal libel was abolished in 2003, and claims now proceed under the Civil Wrongs Law, Cap 148.
7 min read
Czech Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In the Czech Republic defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code section 184 punishes defamation; the Civil Code protects honour and reputation.
8 min read
DC Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
DC defamation laws explained: a strict 1-year deadline (DC Code 12-301), the DC anti-SLAPP Act, defamation per se, and how to sue for libel or slander.
7 min read
Defamation Cease and Desist Letter: What It Does
A defamation cease and desist letter explained: what it does, what to include, retraction demands, anti-SLAPP risk, DIY vs lawyer, and what happens next.
7 min read
Defamation Cease and Desist Letters Around the World
A cease and desist or pre-action letter is the usual first step before a defamation claim. In Australia and the UK it is expected, not optional.
7 min read
Defamation Laws by State: Libel and Slander (2026)
Defamation laws by state: compare the libel and slander statute of limitations and anti-SLAPP laws, which vary widely, for all 50 states and DC.
14 min read
Delaware Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Delaware defamation laws explained: a 2-year deadline under 10 Del. C. 8119, libel vs slander, defamation per se, and the new 2025 anti-SLAPP statute (UPEPA).
7 min read
Denmark Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Denmark defamation is both criminal and civil. Penal Code sections 267 to 270 punish defamation; the Liability for Damages Act allows tort compensation.
7 min read
Ecuador Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
In Ecuador, calumnia (falsely accusing of a crime) is criminal under COIP art 182; injuria was decriminalized in 2014. Civil damages also apply.
7 min read
Egypt Defamation Laws: Criminal, Civil & Cyber
Defamation in Egypt is both criminal (Penal Code arts 302-308) and civil, with online liability under the 2018 Cybercrime Law and the 2018 Media Law.
7 min read
Elements of Defamation: What You Must Prove
The 5 elements of defamation of character: a false statement of fact, published to a third party, about you, with fault, that harmed your reputation.
9 min read
Elon Musk's Defamation Lawsuits, Explained
No official tally exists. Here are the major Musk defamation matters, from the Unsworth 'pedo guy' trial he won to suits often miscalled defamation. Verified
10 min read
Estonia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Estonia ordinary defamation is a civil matter under the Law of Obligations Act, not a crime; only narrow criminal provisions remain.
8 min read
Finland Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Finland defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code Chapter 24 punishes defamation and aggravated defamation; the Tort Liability Act allows damages.
7 min read
Florida Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Florida defamation laws: a 2-year deadline (Fla. Stat. 95.11), the 768.295 anti-SLAPP law, pre-suit retraction notice, per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
France Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In France defamation (diffamation) and insult are criminal under the Law of 29 July 1881: a 12,000 euro fine and a short three-month deadline to act.
8 min read
Georgia Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Georgia defamation laws: a strict 1-year deadline (OCGA 9-3-33), the anti-SLAPP statute (OCGA 9-11-11.1), slander per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
Germany Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Germany defamation is both criminal and civil. StGB sections 185 to 187 punish insult and false-fact claims; the Civil Code allows damages.
8 min read
Ghana Defamation Laws: Civil Only, After 2001 Repeal
Defamation in Ghana is civil only: Parliament repealed criminal libel and sedition in 2001 (Act 602), so libel and slander are now common-law tort claims.
7 min read
Greece Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Greece defamation is both criminal and civil. Law 5090/2024 repealed ordinary defamation; insult and slanderous defamation remain crimes.
6 min read
Hawaii Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Hawaii defamation laws: a 2-year deadline (HRS 657-4), the strong 2022 anti-SLAPP law (HRS 634G), defamation per se, damages, and how to sue.
7 min read
Hong Kong Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Hong Kong is mainly a civil matter under the Defamation Ordinance (Cap. 21). Criminal libel exists but is rarely prosecuted.
7 min read
How Many Times Has CNN Been Sued for Defamation?
No official count exists for CNN defamation suits. Here are the major documented cases, including the $5M Zachary Young verdict. Verified June 20, 2026.
11 min read
How Many Times Has Fox News Been Sued for Defamation?
No official tally exists of every defamation suit against Fox News. A sourced guide to the major cases, led by Dominion's $787.5M settlement.
9 min read
How Much Can You Sue for Defamation of Character?
How much can you sue for defamation of character? There is no set formula. Learn the damage types, what drives the amount, and real verdicts.
10 min read
How to Sue for Defamation of Character (Step by Step)
How to sue for defamation of character: the elements you must prove, evidence, demand letters, deadlines, where to file, damages, and anti-SLAPP risk.
10 min read
Hungary Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Hungary defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code sections 226 to 229 punish defamation and insult; the Civil Code allows a grievance award.
9 min read
Iceland Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Iceland defamation is both criminal, under General Penal Code Articles 234 to 237, and civil, with damages available under the Tort Damages Act.
8 min read
Idaho Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Idaho defamation laws explained: a 2-year statute of limitations (Idaho Code 5-219), the new UPEPA anti-SLAPP law, per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
Illinois Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Illinois defamation laws explained: a strict 1-year statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-201), the Citizen Participation Act anti-SLAPP, and per se rules.
7 min read
India Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in India is both a civil tort and a crime under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (formerly IPC 499/500), up to 2 years.
8 min read
Indiana Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Indiana defamation laws explained: a 2-year statute of limitations (Ind. Code 34-11-2-4), the 34-7-7 anti-SLAPP law, per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
Indonesia Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Indonesia is both civil and criminal. The 2023 Criminal Code (effective Jan 2026) and the ITE Law govern offline and online defamation.
7 min read
Iowa Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Iowa defamation laws explained: a 2-year statute of limitations (Iowa Code 614.1(2)), the new 2025 UPEPA anti-SLAPP law, retraction rules, and how to sue.
7 min read
Iran Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Iran defamation is mainly criminal. The Islamic Penal Code punishes defamation, qazf, and insult; the Press and Computer Crimes laws add offences.
8 min read
Ireland Defamation Laws: Civil Liability & Defences
Defamation in Ireland is a civil wrong only under the Defamation Act 2009, as amended in 2026. Criminal libel was abolished. Defences, damages and limits.
7 min read
Is It Defamation If It's True? Defenses Explained
Is it defamation if it's true? No. Truth is a complete defense to defamation of character, along with opinion, privilege, consent, anti-SLAPP and more.
7 min read
Israel Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Israel is both a civil wrong and a crime under the Prohibition of Defamation Law, 5725-1965, with damages available without proof of harm.
8 min read
Italy Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Italy treats defamation as both a crime (diffamazione, Article 595 Penal Code) and a civil wrong (Article 2043 Civil Code), with reform under debate.
8 min read
Japan Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Japan is both a crime (Penal Code Art 230) and a civil tort (Civil Code Art 709). 2022 raised insult penalties. Defences and remedies explained.
7 min read
Jordan Defamation Laws: Criminal, Cyber & Civil
Defamation in Jordan is mainly criminal under the Penal Code (No. 16 of 1960) and the harsh 2023 Cybercrime Law, with limited civil compensation available.
7 min read
Kansas Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Kansas defamation laws explained: a one-year deadline to sue (K.S.A. 60-514), the Public Speech Protection Act anti-SLAPP rule, per se categories, and damages.
7 min read
Kentucky Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Kentucky defamation laws explained: a one-year deadline to sue (KRS 413.140), the UPEPA anti-SLAPP statute, defamation per se categories, and damages.
7 min read
Kenya Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Kenya is now civil only: the Defamation Act Cap 36 governs claims; criminal defamation (Penal Code s.194) was ruled unconstitutional in 2017.
8 min read
Kuwait Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Kuwait is both civil and criminal: Penal Code articles 209-210 and Cybercrime Law No. 63 of 2015 for online insult and slander.
7 min read
Latvia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Latvia defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Law section 157 punishes it, and Civil Law section 2352.a allows retraction and damages.
8 min read
Libel vs Slander vs Defamation: What's the Difference?
Defamation of character is the umbrella term; libel is written and slander is spoken. Learn the difference, per se categories, and why it matters.
8 min read
Louisiana Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Louisiana defamation laws explained: a two-year prescription to sue (La. C.C. art. 3493.1), the Article 971 anti-SLAPP statute, per se categories, and damages.
7 min read
Luxembourg Defamation Law: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Luxembourg defamation is both criminal and civil. The Criminal Code punishes calomnie and diffamation; the 2004 media law gives a public defence.
8 min read
Maine Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Maine defamation laws explained: a two-year deadline to sue (14 M.R.S. 753), the new UPEPA anti-SLAPP statute, defamation per se categories, and damages.
7 min read
Malaysia Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Malaysia is both civil (Defamation Act 1957) and criminal (Penal Code ss.499-502, up to 2 years), with online cases under CMA section 233.
7 min read
Maryland Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Maryland defamation laws explained: a one-year statute of limitations (CJ 5-105), the per se categories, anti-SLAPP, and how to sue for libel or slander.
7 min read
Massachusetts Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Massachusetts defamation laws explained: a three-year statute of limitations (c. 260, 4), no punitive damages, the anti-SLAPP statute, and how to sue.
7 min read
Mexico Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Mexico decriminalised defamation federally in 2007; it is mainly a civil matter (Federal Civil Code arts 1916, 1916 Bis), but some states still treat it as a
7 min read
Michigan Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Michigan defamation laws explained: a one-year statute of limitations (MCL 600.5805), the new 2026 anti-SLAPP law, per se rules, and how to sue.
7 min read
Minnesota Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Minnesota defamation laws explained: a two-year statute of limitations (541.07), the new UPEPA anti-SLAPP law, per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
Mississippi Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Mississippi defamation laws: the one-year statute of limitations (Miss. Code 15-1-35), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and why there is no anti-SLAPP law.
7 min read
Missouri Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Missouri defamation laws: the two-year statute of limitations (RSMo 516.140), why the state requires actual damages, and its narrow anti-SLAPP law.
7 min read
Montana Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Montana defamation laws: the two-year statute of limitations (MCA 27-2-204), statutory libel and slander definitions, and the 2025 UPEPA anti-SLAPP law.
8 min read
Morocco Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Morocco defamation is civil and criminal. The 2016 Press Code (Law 88-13) made press defamation fine-only; the Penal Code keeps prison offences.
7 min read
Mozambique Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Mozambique is civil and criminal: the 2019 Penal Code (arts 233 to 242) punishes difamacao and injuria; the Civil Code allows damages.
8 min read
Nebraska Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Nebraska defamation laws: the one-year statute of limitations (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-208), the single-publication rule, defamation per se, and a narrow anti-SLAPP.
8 min read
Nepal Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Nepal is both civil and criminal: the 2017 Penal Code (ss.305 to 308) punishes slander and libel, and the Civil Code allows a damages claim.
8 min read
Netherlands Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In the Netherlands defamation is both criminal and civil. The Criminal Code punishes smaad, laster, and belediging; tort law allows damages.
8 min read
Nevada Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Nevada defamation laws: the two-year statute of limitations (NRS 11.190(4)(c)), a strong anti-SLAPP law (NRS 41.635-41.670), per se, and retraction rules.
7 min read
New Hampshire Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
New Hampshire defamation laws: the three-year statute of limitations (RSA 508:4), no anti-SLAPP statute, no punitive damages, and defamation per se.
7 min read
New Jersey Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
New Jersey defamation laws: the one-year statute of limitations (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3), the UPEPA anti-SLAPP law, per se, and the single-publication rule.
7 min read
New Mexico Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
New Mexico defamation laws: the three-year statute of limitations (NMSA 37-1-8), a narrow anti-SLAPP, single-publication rule, and no defamation per se.
7 min read
New York Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
New York defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under CPLR 215(3), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and a strong 2020 anti-SLAPP law (CRL 76-a).
7 min read
New Zealand Defamation Laws: Civil & Defences
Defamation in New Zealand is a civil wrong only under the Defamation Act 1992. Criminal defamation was abolished. Defences, remedies and the 2-year limit.
7 min read
Nigeria Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Nigeria is both a civil tort and a crime. Criminal Code s.375, northern Penal Code s.392, Cybercrimes Act s.24 online. Defences and remedies.
8 min read
North Carolina Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
North Carolina defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under G.S. 1-54(3), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and no general anti-SLAPP statute.
7 min read
North Dakota Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
North Dakota defamation laws: a 2-year deadline under N.D.C.C. 28-01-18, libel vs slander, defamation per se, and no general anti-SLAPP statute.
8 min read
Northern Ireland Defamation Laws: What's Different
How defamation law works in Northern Ireland: it never adopted the Defamation Act 2013, what the 2022 Act changed, defences, and the 1-year limit.
8 min read
Norway Defamation Laws: Civil-Only Since 2015 & Defences
Norway decriminalized defamation in 2015. It is now a civil-only matter under the Damages Compensation Act section 3-6a; there is no general defamation crime.
7 min read
Ohio Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Ohio defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under R.C. 2305.11(A), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and a new 2025 anti-SLAPP law (UPEPA, R.C. 2747).
8 min read
Oklahoma Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Oklahoma defamation laws: the one-year deadline to sue (12 O.S. 95), libel and slander definitions, and the Oklahoma Citizens Participation Act.
7 min read
Oman Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Oman is both civil and criminal: Penal Law 2018 articles 326-329 and the Cybercrime Law for online insult and slander.
8 min read
Oregon Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Oregon defamation laws: the one-year deadline to sue (ORS 12.120), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and Oregon's strong anti-SLAPP law (ORS 31.150).
8 min read
Pakistan Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Pakistan is both civil (Defamation Ordinance 2002, Punjab Act 2024) and criminal (Penal Code 499/500), with online liability under PECA.
8 min read
Panama Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Panama is a crime under Penal Code arts 193-194 (injuria, calumnia) plus civil liability, with higher penalties for online posts.
7 min read
Paraguay Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Paraguay is civil and criminal: Penal Code arts 150-152 cover calumnia, difamacion and injuria, mostly with fines, plus civil damages.
7 min read
Pennsylvania Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Pennsylvania defamation laws: the one-year deadline to sue (42 Pa.C.S. 5523), libel vs slander, defamation per se, and the 2024 anti-SLAPP law.
8 min read
Peru Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Peru defamation is civil and criminal: injuria (Art 130), calumnia (Art 131) and difamacion (Art 132) are Penal Code crimes carrying fines or prison.
7 min read
Philippines Defamation Laws: Libel & Cyber Libel
The Philippines treats defamation as both a crime (libel, Revised Penal Code) and a civil wrong, with cyber libel under RA 10175 carrying higher penalties.
8 min read
Poland Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Poland defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code article 212 punishes it; the Civil Code allows an injunction, apology, and compensation.
8 min read
Portugal Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Portugal defamation is both criminal and civil. Penal Code Articles 180 to 183 punish difamacao and injuria; the Civil Code allows damages.
7 min read
Qatar Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Qatar is both civil and criminal: Penal Code articles 326-331 and Cybercrime Law 14/2014 (up to 3 years, QR 100,000) for online insult.
8 min read
Rhode Island Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Rhode Island defamation laws: a one-year slander deadline, a three-year libel deadline (R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-14), and the anti-SLAPP statute (9-33-1).
8 min read
Romania Defamation Laws: Civil Liability & Defences
In Romania defamation is a civil matter only. Criminal defamation was repealed; the Civil Code protects dignity and reputation under articles 72 and 253.
8 min read
Russia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Russia defamation is both civil (Civil Code Art. 152) and criminal (Criminal Code Art. 128.1), decriminalised in 2011 then re-criminalised in 2012.
8 min read
Rwanda Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Rwanda decriminalized ordinary defamation in its 2018 Penal Code, but insulting or defaming the President stays criminal (Article 236, 5 to 7 years).
8 min read
Saudi Arabia Defamation Laws: Criminal & Sharia
Defamation in Saudi Arabia is primarily criminal under Sharia (ta'zir) and the Anti-Cyber Crime Law (Royal Decree M/17, 2007) for online statements.
7 min read
Scotland Defamation Laws: The 2021 Act Explained
How defamation works in Scotland under the 2021 Act: serious harm, the truth, honest opinion and public interest defences, and the one-year limit.
9 min read
Senegal Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Senegal is civil and criminal: Penal Code arts 258 to 266 punish diffamation and injure with prison and fines; victims can claim damages.
8 min read
Singapore Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Singapore is both civil (Defamation Act 1957) and criminal (Penal Code 499/500, up to 2 years), with online falsehoods under POFMA 2019.
8 min read
Slovakia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Slovakia defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code section 373 (ohovaranie) punishes it, and Civil Code sections 11 to 13 allow damages.
8 min read
Slovenia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Slovenia defamation is both criminal and civil. Criminal Code articles 158 to 162 create the offences, and the Obligations Code allows damages.
8 min read
South Africa Defamation Laws: Civil & Defences
Defamation in South Africa is now a civil delict only. Parliament abolished the common-law crime of defamation in 2024. Defences, damages and how to sue.
7 min read
South Carolina Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
South Carolina defamation laws: a 2-year deadline to sue under S.C. Code 15-3-550, no anti-SLAPP statute, per se categories, damages, and how to file.
7 min read
South Dakota Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
South Dakota defamation laws: a 2-year deadline under SDCL 15-2-15, a new 2026 anti-SLAPP law (SB 137), libel and slander by statute, and how to sue.
8 min read
South Korea Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in South Korea is both civil and criminal. Criminal Act Article 307 punishes even true-fact statements; cyber defamation is heavily prosecuted.
7 min read
Spain Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Spain treats defamation as both a crime (calumnia and injurias in the Penal Code) and a civil wrong under Organic Law 1/1982 on honour.
7 min read
Sweden Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Sweden defamation is both criminal and civil. The Criminal Code Chapter 5 punishes fortal; the Tort Liability Act allows damages for violation.
7 min read
Switzerland Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Switzerland defamation is both criminal and civil. Penal Code arts 173, 174 and 177 create the offences; Civil Code art 28 protects personality.
8 min read
Taiwan Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Taiwan is both civil and criminal. Criminal Code Articles 309 and 310 were upheld by the Constitutional Court in 2000 and again in 2024.
7 min read
Tanzania Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Tanzania is now mainly civil after a 2023 Media Services Act reform, but the Cybercrimes Act 2015 still criminalizes false online info.
8 min read
Tennessee Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Tennessee defamation laws: slander is 6 months (T.C.A. 28-3-103), libel is 1 year (28-3-104), plus the Tennessee Public Participation Act anti-SLAPP.
8 min read
Texas Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Texas defamation laws: a 1-year deadline under CPRC 16.002, the strong TCPA anti-SLAPP statute (Chapter 27), the retraction request rule, and how to sue.
8 min read
Thailand Defamation Laws: Criminal & Civil
Defamation in Thailand is a criminal offence (Penal Code ss.326-333) and a civil wrong, with online cases under the Computer Crime Act.
7 min read
Trump's Defamation Lawsuits: Who He Sued and Who Sued Him
There is no official tally of Trump's defamation cases. A sourced guide to the major ones, where he is both a plaintiff and a defendant. Verified June 20, 2026.
17 min read
Tunisia Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Tunisia defamation is civil and criminal. The Penal Code, the 2011 Press Decree, and Decree-Law 54 of 2022 penalise defamatory and false speech.
7 min read
Turkey Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In Turkey defamation is criminal and civil. Penal Code Article 125 punishes insult, Article 299 covers insulting the President; Civil Code allows damages.
8 min read
UAE Defamation Laws: Criminal, Cyber & Civil
Defamation in the UAE is mainly criminal under the Penal Code (Decree-Law 31/2021) and Cybercrime Law (Decree-Law 34/2021); civil claims also possible.
7 min read
UK Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & the 2013 Act
How UK defamation law works in England and Wales: the Defamation Act 2013, the serious harm test, libel vs slander, defences, time limits and how to sue.
8 min read
Ukraine Defamation Laws: Civil Liability & Defences
In Ukraine defamation is a civil matter only, decriminalised in 2001 and now governed by the Civil Code (Articles 277, 297, 299), not the Criminal Code.
8 min read
Uruguay Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Uruguay is civil and criminal under Penal Code arts 333-334, but Law 18.515 (2009) protects public-interest speech.
7 min read
Utah Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Utah defamation laws: a 1-year deadline (Utah Code 78B-2-302), the UPEPA anti-SLAPP statute, per se categories, retraction, and how to sue.
6 min read
Venezuela Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Venezuela is civil and criminal: Penal Code arts 442-446 punish difamacion and injuria with prison and fines, plus civil damages.
7 min read
Vermont Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Vermont defamation laws: a 3-year deadline (12 V.S.A. 512), the 12 V.S.A. 1041 anti-SLAPP special motion to strike, per se categories, and how to sue.
6 min read
Vietnam Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Vietnam is both civil (Civil Code art. 34) and criminal (Penal Code arts. 155-156, plus art. 331), including online speech.
7 min read
Virginia Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Virginia defamation laws: a 1-year deadline (Va. Code 8.01-247.1), the 8.01-223.2 anti-SLAPP immunity, insulting words, per se categories, and how to sue.
7 min read
Washington Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Washington defamation laws: a 2-year deadline (RCW 4.16.100), the new UPEPA anti-SLAPP statute (Chapter 4.105 RCW), per se categories, and how to sue.
6 min read
West Virginia Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
West Virginia defamation laws: the one-year statute of limitations (W. Va. Code 55-2-12), per se categories, and why the state has no anti-SLAPP law.
7 min read
Wisconsin Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Wisconsin defamation laws: the three-year statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. 893.57), per se categories, the 895.05 correction rule, and no anti-SLAPP.
8 min read
World Defamation Laws by Country
Defamation laws by country: where libel and slander are civil, where they are criminal, plus penalties, defences and how to sue, across 80+ countries.
4 min read
Wyoming Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Wyoming defamation laws: the one-year statute of limitations (Wyo. Stat. 1-3-105), per se categories, broadcast damage limits, and no anti-SLAPP law.
8 min read
Zimbabwe Defamation Laws: Civil Claims & Defences
Defamation in Zimbabwe is now civil only: criminal defamation was ruled unconstitutional in Madanhire v AG (2014) and confirmed void in 2016.
7 min read