What kinds of statements constitute defamation?

Defamation is a type of legal claim which occurs when someone makes a false statement that causes another person to suffer harm. In Pennsylvania, defamation can take many forms: libel, slander, and false light. Libel occurs when a statement is made in a permanent form, such as writing or a broadcast, which injures someone’s reputation and causes material harm. Examples of libel include an article which states that a person is guilty of a crime they did not commit. Slander is a type of defamation which is spoken instead of written or broadcasted. Slander only requires a false statement which people find offensive, not necessarily material harm. An example of slander would be a rumor that someone cheated on their spouse. False light is a category which includes statements which are not technically false but still give a misleading impression. For instance, if a person is described as “unstable” in an article but the writer does not have enough proof to back up the claim, the statement may be a form of false light. In conclusion, when determining whether a statement constitutes defamation in Pennsylvania, there are three main types: libel, slander, and false light. All three require the speaker to make false or misleading statements which can cause harm or offense to someone’s reputation.

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What kinds of statements constitute defamation?

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