Defamation is a legal concept covering false statements or communications that damage the reputation of an individual, business, or organisation. It occurs in two main forms: slander, which involves spoken statements, and libel, which involves written or published statements.

To establish a defamation claim, the aggrieved party must generally prove that the statement was false, harmful to their reputation, and made without a legal privilege or defence. Truth is usually a complete defence against defamation claims.

Public figures face a higher burden of proof, needing to show not only falsity but also actual malice, meaning the statement was made knowingly false or with reckless disregard for the truth. Defamation cases aim to compensate the victim for reputational harm and may involve retractions or apologies.

Seeking legal advice is essential for both plaintiffs and defendants to navigate the complexities of proving or defending against defamation claims.