The term defamationdefamationdefamation of charactercharactercharacter is often used to describe accusations of slander, or libel. Slander is a verbal derogatory statement and libel involves written ones. Defamation of character can be very difficult to prove in court, although the actual effects can be quite evident and damaging. The main problem with proving it because of the protection of free
. speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. Another problem concerning defamation of character is the actual truth of the statement. Very few lawsuits actually reach the level of a court trial and most are settled privately. Defamation in the United States is governed by state law, but the U.S. Consitution does protect some of the rights of the first amendment. To find more information on your state and their laws on deframation of character visit http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/defamation.
