Slander - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition slander

Definition :

Slander, the malicious defamation of a person bywords; as a libel is by writing, etc. It is actionable in the following cases: (1) where the words impute a criminal offence; (2) where they impute misconduct in a public office; (3) where they are spoken in reference to a person's trade or profession, see Jones v. Jones, (1916) 2 AC 481; (4) where they impute a contagious disease likely to cause exclusion from society, e.g., venereal disease; (5) where the speaking of them is productive of special damage.

The slander of a woman by imputation on her chastity was first made actionable without special damage by the Slander of Women Act, 1891; but under this Act no more costs than damages can be recovered unless the judge certifies there was reasonable ground for bringing the action.

Slander of Title, a false and malicious statement, either oral or in writing, tending to cut down the title to some right or property vested in the plaintiff. It is not actionable without proof of special damage, see Pater v. Baker, 3 CB 831; Steward v. Young, LR 5 CP 122.

A limited company are liable for a slander uttered by their servant in the course of his employment, and for the benefit of his employers, Finburgh v. Moss' Empires, Ltd., 1908 SC 928.

Consult Odgers on Libel and Slander.