What is the difference between a libel and slander case?
Libel and slander are two distinct types of defamation claims in Minnesota. Libel is the written or published form of defamation, while slander is the spoken form of defamation. In order to bring a successful libel claim in Minnesota, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant published information that was both false and defamatory, that it was published to a third party, and that the plaintiff suffered harm due to the publication. To bring a successful slander claim, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant spoke false and defamatory statements to a third party, and that the plaintiff suffered harm as a result. In addition, the difference between a libel and slander case in Minnesota also comes down to the type of harm that the plaintiff suffers. In a libel case, the plaintiff has to prove that they suffered damages such as reputational harm, financial losses, emotional distress, and other types of harm that resulted from the false and defamatory statements. On the other hand, in a slander case, the plaintiff must prove that the statement was untrue and caused them to suffer mental anguish, humiliation, or embarrassment. In both cases, Minnesota courts may impose punitive damages if the defendant acted maliciously, recklessly, or with the intent to harm the plaintiff.
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