Are threats considered defamation?

No, threats are not generally considered defamation in Washington. Defamation law in Washington requires proof of false and malicious statements of fact made by one person or entity about another. Threats, unlike defamation, generally involve a warning of future harm that may or may not happen. In Washington, a threat does not amount to defamation unless the threat is accompanied by false statements of fact. For example, if a person in Washington threatens to physically harm someone, this alone does not amount to defamation. But if the person also makes false statements about the other person in the same statement, then this could be considered defamation and bring a lawsuit. In this situation, the plaintiff would have to prove in court that the threa was accompanied by false statements made with malicious intent. In Washington, defamation law also differs from libel and slander laws. Libel and slander are two forms of defamatory expressions, but they are not considered threats. Libel refers to written defamatory statements, while slander is verbal. Threats, on the other hand, are considered a form of coercion or intimidation. Overall, threats in Washington are not considered defamation. To be considered defamation, a false and malicious statement of fact must be made, and this statement must be either written or verbal.

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Are threats considered defamation?

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