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Libel: Defamatory communication

A defamatory communication is one that exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, or contempt, lowers him in the esteem of his fellows, causes him to be shunned, or injures him in his business or calling. Defamation can take the form of libel (published or broadcast communication) or slander (oral communication).

Courts generally are required to take the full context of a publication into account when determining whether the publication is defamatory. However, a headline, drawing, cutline or photograph taken alone can, in some cases, be libelous.²

Notes

2. See, e.g., Kaelin v. Globe Communications, 162 F.3d 1036 (9th Cir. 1998).

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