What is the difference between a libel and slander case?

Libel and slander are both forms of defamation. Defamation is when a person makes a false statement that damages a person’s reputation. Defamation is usually described as libel or slander. In North Carolina, libel and slander are both covered under the same law (North Carolina General Statutes Section 1-569). Libel is a written defamation that is printed or published in some form. Libel is usually in a more permanent form and can include material found on the internet or digital media. Slander is the spoken form of defamation. It is usually spoken in conversation or broadcast on radio or television. Slander is a more temporary form of defamation. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for both libel and slander is one year from when the defamatory statement was made. If the plaintiff (the person that has been defamed) cannot bring a lawsuit within one year, then the case will be dismissed by the court. Although some elements of a libel and slander case in North Carolina are the same, there are some distinct differences. For a libel case, there needs to be proof that the false statement was published or printed. In a slander case, there needs to be proof that the false statement was spoken. In North Carolina, the person defamed can bring a case for either libel or slander, or both, depending on the situation. In addition, if the false statement is made to a third party, the person defamed can also bring a case for tortious interference with a business relationship. Overall, the major difference between a libel and slander case in North Carolina is that libel requires proof of a printed statement, while slander requires proof of a spoken statement.

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What is the difference between a libel and slander case?

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