Libel
Legal Definition and Related Resources of Libel
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Meanings, Synonyms, Etymology, Translations and More
Meaning of Libel
defamation in a permanent form, as distinguished from slander which is defamation by spoken words. A defamatory statement , which, when published, tends to expose the complainant, in the minds of ordinary people, to contempt , hatred or ridicule, or conveys an imputation disparaging the complainant in his trade. See defamation and slander. Also see Per quod and Per se. In some jurisdictions libel is defined by statute. To constitute libel the defamatory matter must be published by writing , printÂing, picture, effigy, or some other form of communication which has the potential harmful qualities characteristic of written or printed words. See Bennett v Norban, 396 Pa. 94, 141 A.2d 476.
Libel Alternative Definition
In Practice. A written statement by a plaintiff, in ecclesiastical and admiralty courts, of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks to obtain in a suit. Law, Ecc. Law, 17; Ayliffe, Par. 346; Shelf. Mar. & Div. 506; Dunl. Adm. Prac. 111. It performs substantially the same office in the ecclesiastical courts, and those courts which follow the practice of the ecclesiastical courts, as the bill in chancery and the declaration in common-law practice. In Torts. That which la written or printed, and published, calculated to injure the character of another by bringing him into ridicule, hatred, or contempt. Parke, J., 15 Mees. & W. 344. Everything, written or printed, which reflects on the character of another, and is published without lawful justification or excuse, is a libel, whatever the intention may have been. 15 Mees. & W. 487. A malicious defamation, expressed either in printing or writing, or by signs or pictures, and tending either to blacken the memory of one who is dead, or the reputation of one who is alive, and expose him to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. 1 Hawk. P. C. bk. 1, c. 73, i 1; 4 Mass. 168; 2 Pick. (Mass.) 115; 9 Johns. (N. Y.) 214; 1 Denio (N. Y.) 347; 24 Wend. (N. Y.) 434; 9 Barn & C. 172; 4 Man. & R. 127; 2 Kent, Comm. 13. It has been defined, perhaps, with more precision, to be a censorious or ridiculous writing, picture, or sign made with a malicious or mischievous intent towards government, magistrates, or individuals. 3 Johns. Cas. (N. Y.) 354; 9 Johni. (N. Y.) 215; 5 Bin. (Pa.) 340. Any publication not oral, which exposes a person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy, or tends to injure him in his business or calling, impairing his standing in society, or cause him to be shunned or avoided by his neighbors. Odgers, Libel & S. 22.
Libel Legal Definition
A method of defamation expressed by print, writing, pictures or signs. In its most general sense any publication that injures the reputation of another.
Synonyms of Libel
verb
accuse falsely
accuse in writing
asperse
besmirch
calumniate
censure
condemn
debase
decry
defame
defame by a published writing
degrade
denigrate
denounce
derogate
discredit
discredit in writing
disparage
expose to public contempt
impair one's reputation
incriminate
injure another's reputation
injure by a published writing
injure one's reputation
maliciously defame
malign
publish a falsehood
revile
ridicule
scandalize
slander
slur
smear
traduce
vilify
Associated Concepts: absolute privilege
actionable libel
actual malice
criminal libel
defamation
defense of truth
disparagement
First Amendment
libel per quod
libel per se
privileged communication
publication
qualified privileged
republication
slander
trade libel
noun
accusation
aspersion
calumny
carmen famosum
censorious writing
defamation
defamatory writing
degradation
denigration
denunciation
disparagement
false accusation
false publication
false statement
falsehood
falseness
falsification
impairment of reputation
impeachment of virtue
injury to character
injury to one's reputation
invective
libellus famosus
malicious defamation
malicious falsehood
malicious publication
revilement
slur
smear
vilification
writing that discredits
written accusation
Associated Concepts: actionable libel
libel per quod
libel per se
publication of libel
slander
Related Entries of Libel in the Lawi Project
Browse or run a search for Libel in the legal resources (including dictionaries and American law definitions), the Asian legal platform, the European law platform, the British legal resources or the Latin American and Spanish platform and publications (Lawi) about law in the world.
Libel in Historical Law
You might be interested in the historical meaning of this term. Browse or search for Libel in historical law and the evolution of legal systems (study).
Legal Abbreviations and Acronyms
Search for legal acronyms and/or abbreviations containing Libel in the Legal Abbreviations and Acronyms Dictionary.
Related Legal Terms
You might be also interested in these legal terms:
Mentioned in these terms
Absolute Privilege, Actual Malice, Calumny, Communicate, Consultation, Contestation Of Suit, Defamation, Fair Comment, Innuendo, Rolled-up Plea, Single Publication Rule.
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Libel in the Dictionary: Libel in our legal dictionaries
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Legal Maxims: Maxims are established principles that jurists use as interpretive tools, invoked more frequently in international law
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Related topics: Libel in this project about law in the world (Lawi)
Notice
This definition of Libel is based on the The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary. This entry needs to be proofread.
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Libel in the Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims
Middle English libel, a brief writing: Latin libellus, a little book, a pamphlet; Libellus famosus, a defamatory pamphlet, 4 Bl. Com. 150. In the civil law, the declaration of an action. In ecclesiatical law, the formal complaint. 3 Bl. Com. 100. Slander by written or printed words, pictures, signs, or the like. 3 Bl. Com. 125.
Note: This legal definition of Libel in the Dictionary of Law (English and American Jurisprudence) is from 1893.
English Spanish Translation of Libel
Difamar, Calumniar, Calumnia
Find other English to Spanish translations from the Pocket Spanish English Legal Dictionary (print and online), the English to Spanish to English dictionaries (like Libel) and the Word reference legal translator.
Libel in Law Enforcement
Main Entry: Law Enforcement in the Legal Dictionary. This section provides, in the context of Law Enforcement, a partial definition of libel.
Grammar
This term is a noun.
Etimology of Libel
(You may find libel at the world legal encyclopedia and the etimology of more terms).
c. 1300, "formal written statement, a writing of any kind," especially, in civil law, "plaintiff's statement of charges" (mid-14c.); from Old French libelle (fem.) "small book; (legal) charge, claim; writ; written report" (13c.), from Latin libellus "a little book, pamphlet; petition, written accusation, complaint," diminutive of liber "book" (see library). Meaning "false or defamatory statement" is from 1610s. Specific legal sense of "any published or written statement likely to harm a person's reputation" is first attested 1630s.
Meaning of Libel in Spanish
Description/ translation of libel into Spanish: delito contra el honor (injuria o calumnia) cometido a través de la prensa[1]
Note: for more information on related terms and on the area of law where libel belongs (criminal procedure law), in Spanish, see here.
Notes and References
Translation of Libel published by Antonio Peñaranda
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See Also
Law Enforcement Officer
Police Work
Law Enforcement Agency
Further Reading
Meaning of Libel in the U.S. Legal System
Definition of Libel published by the National Association for Court Management: Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously defame a person. Libel is published defamation; slander is spoken.
Libel
Libel