- that a statement was made about the plaintiff's reputation, honesty or integrity that is not true;
- publication to a third party (i.e., another person hears or reads the statement); and
- the plaintiff suffers damages as a result of the statement.
Slander is a form of defamation that consists of making false oral statements about a person which would damage that person's reputation. If one spreads a rumor that his neighbor has been in jail and this is not true, the person making such false statements could be held liable for slander.
Defamation which occurs by written statements is known as libel. Libel also may result from a picture or visual representation. Truth is an absolute defense to slander or libel.
Some statements, while libelous or slanderous, are absolutely privileged in the sense that the statements can be made without fear of a lawsuit for slander. The best example is statements made in a court of law. An untrue statement made about a person in court which damages that person's reputation will generally not cause liability to the speaker as far as slander is concerned. However, if the statement is untrue, the person making it may be liable for criminal perjury.
If a communication is made in good faith on a subject in which the party communicating it has a legitimate right or interest in communicating it, this communication may be exempt from slander liability due to a qualified privileged.
The following form letter demands that someone cease making libelous or slanderous statements, or appropriate legal action will be taken.
A Wisconsin Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements is a legal document used to demand an individual or entity to immediately stop making false and damaging statements that harm someone's reputation. In the state of Wisconsin, defamation of character refers to the act of making false statements about a person or entity, either in written (libel) or spoken (slander) form. The purpose of a Cease and Desist Letter is to put the person responsible on notice and demand that they promptly cease making defamatory statements. In Wisconsin, such a letter can be an effective tool in protecting one's reputation and seeking legal remedies if necessary. It is important to note that there may be different types or variations of Cease and Desist Letters used specifically for cases involving defamation of character in Wisconsin. Some examples include: 1. Wisconsin Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous Statements: This type of letter is focused on addressing defamatory statements made in written form, such as magazines, newspapers, online platforms, social media posts, blogs, or any other published content. 2. Wisconsin Cease and Desist Letter for Slanderous Statements: This kind of letter is used to address defamatory statements made verbally, typically in person or through broadcast media platforms like radio or television. 3. Wisconsin General Cease and Desist Letter for Defamation: This letter covers both libelous and slanderous statements, making it applicable for any form of defamation of character, regardless of the medium through which the statements were made. When drafting a Wisconsin Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements, it is essential to include specific details regarding the defamatory statements, such as dates, locations, and communication channels utilized. Furthermore, it should clearly outline the false statements and how they have caused harm to the individual or entity's reputation. Additionally, the letter should demand an immediate cessation of the defamatory statements and provide a specific timeframe for compliance. It may also indicate that failure to comply may result in legal action for damages caused by the defamation. In conclusion, a Wisconsin Cease and Desist Letter for Libelous or Slanderous Statements serves as a powerful tool in combating defamation of character. By promptly addressing false statements and demanding their cessation, individuals and entities can safeguard their reputation and take appropriate legal steps if necessary.
