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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 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, if it is the truth, the defendant 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.   

Furthermore, the statement must be presented as a fact.  Parody or jokes are not considered defamatory because they are not intended to be taken seriously.  However, this defense will fail if a reasonable person would consider the statement to be factual, i.e. from the credentials of the source.   

Furthermore, the statement must be presented as a fact.  Parody or jokes are not considered defamatory because they are not intended to be taken seriously.  However, this defense will fail if a reasonable person would consider the statement to be factual, i.e. from the credentials of the source.