Can a person be liable for repeating a defamatory statement?

Yes, a person can be liable for repeating a defamatory statement in California. Defamation law in California states that any person who communicates a false statement that harms the reputation of another person can be held liable for defamation, whether the statement was made intentionally or not. This includes repeating a defamatory statement that was made by someone else. Under California law, the person who repeats the statement may be held liable for defamation even if the original speaker is not. In other words, if Person A says something false and harmful about Person B, and Person C repeats the statement, Person C can be held liable for repeating the statement. This potential liability for repeating a defamatory statement does not apply in all cases. If the person who repeats the statement does so in good faith and can prove it, then they may be able to avoid liability. Additionally, repeating a defamatory statement in a privileged setting (such as in a judicial setting) may also help to avoid liability. It is important to note that in addition to the potential legal ramifications of repeating a defamatory statement, it is also important to think about the ethical implications of repeating something that could harm another person’s reputation. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

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Can a person be liable for repeating a defamatory statement?

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