What Is Slander?
Slander is a type of defamation involving spoken false statements that cause harm to a person’s reputation. Unlike libel, which is written or published, slander refers specifically to transitory statements, such as those made in conversations, speeches, interviews, or videos.
“Slander is the spoken word’s weapon—it doesn’t leave ink behind, but its impact can be just as permanent.”
Slander vs. Libel: Key Differences
| Libel | Slander |
|---|---|
| Written or published defamation | Spoken defamation |
| Often easier to prove | Harder to document |
| Leaves lasting records | Typically ephemeral |
| Examples: blog posts, articles | Examples: gossip, verbal claims |
Key Insight:
While both forms of defamation are actionable under the law, libel is often easier to prove because it leaves a paper trail. Slander requires clear evidence of the statement and its consequences.
Common Examples of Slander
Slander can occur in various personal, professional, and public settings. Some scenarios include:
- A co-worker falsely tells others you stole company property.
- An ex-partner spreads lies about you in a community group.
- A competitor verbally claims your business is involved in fraud.
- A social media influencer makes false accusations during a livestream.
The key is that these are spoken and false statements presented as facts—not opinions.
Elements of a Successful Slander Claim
To bring a slander case, you typically need to prove four elements:
- False Statement of Fact
The spoken statement must be untrue and not an opinion or parody. - Publication to a Third Party
The statement must have been heard by someone other than you or the speaker. - Fault or Negligence
The speaker must have been at least negligent in determining whether the statement was true. - Harm or Damages
The false statement must cause actual harm—such as loss of income, social standing, or mental anguish.
Is Slander Illegal?
While slander is a civil matter in most jurisdictions, some extreme cases—especially those involving threats or inciting violence—can fall into criminal defamation. Laws vary by state and country, so consult with a legal expert before proceeding.
Refer to Cornell Law School’s legal information institute for a breakdown of slander laws in the United States.
How to Prove Slander Without a Recording
Because spoken words fade, proving slander can be challenging. Here’s how to build a strong case:
- Witness Testimony
Get statements from individuals who heard the defamatory comment. - Documentation of Impact
Show how the statement led to lost clients, job opportunities, or mental distress. - Patterns of Behavior
Demonstrate that the speaker has a history of making similar claims. - Cease-and-Desist Records
If you’ve issued legal warnings and the behavior continued, this adds weight.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Slander
Victims have several options:
1. Cease-and-Desist Letter
Send a formal letter demanding the speaker stop making defamatory statements. It’s a low-cost, low-conflict solution that can stop the behavior immediately.
2. Civil Lawsuit
You can sue for damages including:
- Compensatory damages (for economic loss)
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of malicious intent)
3. Injunction or Restraining Order
A court can issue an order to prevent further defamatory speech.
Defamation Per Se: Special Consideration
In some cases, slander is so harmful that the law assumes damages without needing proof. These include:
- False statements of criminal activity
- Claims of professional incompetence
- Accusations of sexual misconduct
- Allegations of having a contagious disease
This is referred to as “slander per se.”
Preventing and Responding to Slander
Steps You Can Take:
- Monitor Mentions
Use tools like Google Alerts or Mention to track your name or brand. - Gather Evidence
Keep detailed records of statements, dates, witnesses, and consequences. - Speak with a Defamation Attorney
Legal professionals can help assess whether your case qualifies. - Use Reputation Management Services
Defamation Defenders helps mitigate online slander through removal requests, SEO suppression, and monitoring services.
→ Get a free consultation
Impact of Slander on Personal and Professional Life
Even if the law says “innocent until proven guilty,” public opinion often moves faster than the courts. The impact of slander can include:
- Job loss or demotion
- Loss of business clients
- Personal relationship damage
- Mental health challenges
- Harassment from third parties
Case Example: Slander in the Workplace
A manager falsely accuses an employee of drug use, which leads to suspension and public embarrassment. The employee obtains legal help, proves the claim was unsubstantiated, and receives a settlement for defamation and emotional distress.
Takeaway:
Even without public broadcasting, spoken lies in private settings can have serious legal and reputational consequences.
FAQ: Slander and Legal Protection
Q: Can I sue someone for slander if I only heard about it from a friend?
A: No. You need direct witness testimony or reliable documentation of the statement being made to a third party.
Q: What is the time limit for filing a slander lawsuit?
A: Most states enforce a 1-year statute of limitations from the date the slanderous statement was made.
Q: Can a YouTube video or podcast count as slander?
A: It can. If the defamatory statement is spoken and transient, it may still be classified as slander even on a public platform.
Q: Is it slander if it’s just a rumor?
A: If the rumor includes false facts and spreads to others, it may be actionable, especially if harm results.
Q: Can I demand an apology instead of suing?
A: Yes. Many victims seek public apologies or retractions as part of a settlement or cease-and-desist request.