Is it true that you get laughed at by trying to sue somebody for slander?

Answer 1

Quite true. Some say almost impossible. In the USA it's hard to sue for libel (a written defamation) and virtually impossible if it's a public person trying to sue (New York Times v. Sullivan). First Amendment issues. So never mind trying to sue for slander (spoken defamation).

In Britain, it's easy to sue for libel but not so easy for slander either. That's partly because it's hard to pin down the difference between opinion and statement of fact, and the context means so much.

And the truth is always a defense. And you have to prove injury: not easy if your reputation was already poor, or nobody ever heard of you.

From Wiki: "In the United States, about 75 percent of defamation lawsuits are filed in state courts, and the remaining 25 percent in federal courts. A comprehensive discussion of what is and is not libel or slander is difficult, because each state's definition differs. Some states codify what constitutes slander and libel together into the same set of laws. Some states have criminal libel laws on the books, though these are old laws which are very infrequently prosecuted."

Answer 2

Proving slander is a difficult task. However if you have significant evidence it can be done. You have to first prove that the person you are suing slandered you by saying something of you that was totally false. Then you have to prove that as a results there were actual damages done as a results of it. In other words you must have suffered a monetary loss or your character or reputation was destroyed. You cannot simply say she/he lied on me and my friends don't like me anymore. That is simply not enough.
People can say anything they want whenever they want. That's a part of life. When you prevail in a slander suit "the proof is in the pudding".

Answer 3

Not always, no. But you need a cast-iron case. You have to prove that your reputation has been damaged by what somebody has said about you.
So, for example, if a prostitute tried to sue somebody for saying that s/he is easy.......that case would have nowhere to go because (a) it's true and (b) it has not damaged the person's reputation.
In UK, you cannot get any financial aid for a defamation case, so you are on your own.

Answer 4

If your Lawyer laugh's your case is probably weak. If you can prove damages, as a direct result of slander ...... you may be rewarded handsomely and the offender would be in line for a real public tongue lashing by the courts.

Answer 5

I would not think so, but there are so many factors in any type of litigation. If you have proof, and the incident is one that fits the legal description of Slander,,, then file away( with the assistance of counsel) hope this helps

Answer 6

No, you should get respect. You have enough self-respect to care about your person and reputation that you will take this stand to see the person who slandered your reputation pay for his/her actions.

It happend to me, but unfortunately they dont have any money, so there is no point in hiring a lawyer to recover losses when there will be nothing to recover. My lawyer did advise I write a letter informing them I spoke with an attorney, and to cease and desist saying what they were saying about me, or they will be taken to court.

Answer 7

False

Answer 8

I sued someone for slander and had the evidence. They paid up. Not handsomely, but enough to shame them.

Answer 9

yes, unless you can prove monetary loss for said slander and can prove the slander was false, and can prove the slanderer did the slandering.
http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 10

Most lawyers won't take such a case even if it's winnable. But the idiot who said it's a crime is the real joker here.