A Yardstick for Slander By Paul Swamidass - CLA (2023)

FAQs

What is the biblical meaning of slander? ›

Slander is the sharing of speculation and hearsay about someone that results in a negative depiction of another person and a decline in their reputation. This can result in broken friendships, divided families, and fractures among a local church.

Slander is communicated verbally with the intent to defame the subject of the statements. Put simply, slander is a legal term used to describe defamation or the act of harming a person or business's reputation by telling one or more people something that is untrue and damaging about them.

On the one hand, Scripture speaks strongly against gossip. Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:20 – Both differentiate gossip from slander and condemn it as the result of a depraved mind, unfitting for Christians. 1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Both condemn “busybodies” who “speak about things not proper to mention.”

Slander, like libel, is divided into two categories: slander and slander per se. Slander per se is the spoken word version of libel per se—a false statement that is so obviously harmful that damage to a plaintiff's reputation is presumed.

In order to prove a libel or slander claim, the employee must prove: (1) false communication; (2) unprivileged statement of fact (not opinion); (3) it was made about the plaintiff; (4) published to a third party; and (5) caused damage to the plaintiff.

To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence; and 4) damages, or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the subject ...

Libel and slander laws were created to offer legal recourse for someone whose name is essentially being unjustly dragged through the mud, not just to protect someone's reputation.

Both refer to how we judge someone and what we say behind their backs. However, 'gossip' is not something serious and it is just spreading some information about someone, but 'slander' is used when someone intentionally wants to ruin another person's reputation.

The word is from Old English godsibb, from god and sibb, the term for the godparents of one's child or the parents of one's godchild, generally very close friends. In the 16th century, the word assumed the meaning of a person, mostly a woman, one who delights in idle talk, a newsmonger, a tattler.

Negative gossip erodes trust. Those who engage in the practice are likely to wonder if the group members are gossiping about them behind their backs. And it's expected that the person who is its target will find out about it and will probably never be able to trust their colleagues again.

Is it slander if no names are mentioned? ›

Elements of Defamation

For statement to be considered defamation, it must be about the plaintiff. Even if the statement does not mention him or her by name, it can be actionable on grounds of defamation if a reasonable person would understand the communication as referring to the plaintiff.

A person will not go to jail. However, it is a “tort” or civil wrong. This means that if a person/organization makes defamatory statements, the person affected may seek compensation for their damages as a result of the defamation, through a personal injury lawsuit.

Any person can sue for defamation. As discussed earlier, the principle elements of the cause of action are: (1) the communication has been published to a third person; (2) the communication identifies (or is about) that person; and (3) the communication is defamatory.

Remedies in slander cases

If someone has slandered you, you can claim damages and other remedies from them. If you issue proceedings, the court can order your opponent to pay damages to you, and impose an injunction, which could mean your opponent is sent to prison if they repeat the slander again in future.

It can be difficult to win a slander lawsuit because you must prove you were damaged by a spoken statement. Proving injury can be more difficult than in a libel claim, which is the type of lawsuit you would file if you were slandered in writing.

The most common defenses to defamation are: 1) truth; 2) consent; 3) privilege; and 4) the statute of limitations. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the defamation cause of action is that falsity is required. In other words, the statement publicized about the plaintiff must be false in order to prove defamation.

Libel and slander are both types of defamation. Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally. The difference between defamation and slander is that a defamatory statement can be made in any medium.

In order to successfully sue someone for slander, you must prove: The defendant made a verbal statement to at least one other party. The verbal statement was a false statement of fact. The defendant knew the statement was false or acted improperly in determining whether the statement was true or not.

What are examples of slander? ›

However, slander is a civil wrong (tort). Therefore, a slanderer will be held liable for their actions, and the victim will have the right to take legal action against them and gain compensation for any losses.

Defamation has always acted as a limit on both the freedom of speech as well as the freedom of the press. There is no such thing as a false opinion or idea – however, there can be a false fact, and these are not protected under the First Amendment.

Webster's Dictionary defines slander as “the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation.” Basically, slander is spoken – a lie or damaging comment told to someone about a third party.

Though many people use 'slander' and 'libel' interchangeably, the words have distinct meanings—libel is written, while slander is spoken.

Libel and slander are types of defamatory statements. Libel is a defamatory statement that is written. Slander is a defamatory statement that is oral. At common law, libel and slander were analyzed under different sets of standards, with libel recognized as the more serious wrong.

Definitions of malicious gossip. disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people. synonyms: dirt, scandal. type of: comment, gossip, scuttlebutt. a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people.

In many cases, the harassment remains verbal. However, as long as the victim faces disruption to their ability to work safely, any action could fall under the category of harassment. Needless to say, rumors and slander attack the reputation of an individual and can make it difficult or even impossible to work safely.

Gossip typically centers on the negative aspects of a person's personal appearance, personal achievements, or personal behaviors. A less benign form of gossip is when people discuss information about celebrities or other people highlighted in tabloids or social media.

blabbermouth, talebearer, taleteller, tattler, tattletale, telltale. someone who gossips indiscreetly.

How do I shut down gossip? ›

If someone comes to you with some kind of gossip or rumor or toxic talk, a very simple, “I have absolutely no opinion about that at all,” is an easy way to stop the conversation in it's tracks. It's a refusal to engage. Boom, done, that's it. And don't respond otherwise.

The root cause of gossip is almost always, without fail, jealousy. The more successful you are, the more attractive, the more kind, the more self-assured, the more people will gossip. They do it to try and bring you down.

Gossiping can also bring on exhaustion, anxiety, or depression. Experts also warn that gossiping can cause long-term physical and mental issues like panic attacks, guilt, and in extreme cases, post-traumatic stress disorder.

Think Before You Speak. Gossiping is a toxic behavior that breeds distrust and bitterness, so steer clear and avoid it. Before you share a hurtful story or critical thoughts, ask yourself why you are sharing these things with this particular person.

Both refer to how we judge someone and what we say behind their backs. However, 'gossip' is not something serious and it is just spreading some information about someone, but 'slander' is used when someone intentionally wants to ruin another person's reputation.

A serious, grave or mortal sin is the knowing and willful violation of God's law in a serious matter, for example, idolatry, adultery, murder, slander. These are all things gravely contrary to the love we owe God and, because of Him, our neighbor.

Backbiting is to make mention of something in your brother that he in fact possesses. Imputation is to mention what has reached you about him. Slander is to say of him what is not in him.

In order to be successful in a defamation lawsuit, you must prove: The defendant made a false statement of fact. It must be objectively untrue and it must be presented as a fact rather than as an opinion. The statement was communicated to a third party.

Only false statements of fact can be defamatory. Even terribly mean or disparaging statements aren't defamatory if they are true.

Why is slander not protected? ›

When in written form it is often called 'libel'. Defamation has always acted as a limit on both the freedom of speech as well as the freedom of the press. There is no such thing as a false opinion or idea – however, there can be a false fact, and these are not protected under the First Amendment.

Understanding slander

A person will not go to jail. However, it is a “tort” or civil wrong. This means that if a person/organization makes defamatory statements, the person affected may seek compensation for their damages as a result of the defamation, through a personal injury lawsuit.

Gather evidence to prove defamation. File a slander case against the defendant's insurer or in civil court, whichever is necessary. Serve as your legal representation in court. Demand a public apology from the guilty party.

These sins are vices and are defined as contrary to the Christian virtues of holiness. They are pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth (acedia).

backbiters. Definitions of backbiter. one who attacks the reputation of another by slander or libel. synonyms: defamer, libeler, maligner, slanderer, traducer, vilifier. type of: depreciator, detractor, disparager, knocker.

O Aba Dharr, be away from backbiting, for backbiting is worse than fornication, I said: And why that, O Messenger of Allah? He said: “Because a man commits adultery, and he repents to God, then God repents for him, while backbiting is not forgiven until his companion forgives it.