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'''Libel''' is published (written) [[defamation]] which tends to injure a person's reputation.  It is contrasted and occasionally confused with [[slander]], which is spoken [[defamation]]. Within the broad category of libel, there are two types, ''[[libel per se]]'' and ''[[libel per quod]]''.

'''Libel''' is published (written) [[defamation]] which tends to injure a person's reputation.  It is contrasted and occasionally confused with [[slander]], which is spoken [[defamation]]. Within the broad category of libel, there are two types, ''[[libel per se]]'' and ''[[libel per quod]]''.

 

One of the defenses against the charge of libel is [[truth]].  In the United States, the truth is always an absolute defense.  This means that regardless of how nasty or vicious the statement appears (for example, [[Malice|malicious]] [[detraction]]), if it is the truth, the defendant in a libel suit will always prevail.  For a court to rule otherwise would be ''prima facie'' evidence of censorship, and overturned on appeal.   

One of the defenses against the charge of libel is [[truth]].  In the United States, the truth is always an absolute defense.  This means that regardless of how nasty or vicious the statement appears (for example, [[Malice|malicious]] [[detraction]]), if it is the truth, the defendant in a libel suit will always prevail.  For a court to rule otherwise would be ''prima facie'' evidence of censorship, and overturned on appeal.