slander

The speaking of base and defamatory words tending to prejudice another in his reputation, community standing, office, trade, business, or means of livelihood. Little Stores v. Isenberg, 26 Tenn.App. 357, 172 S.W.2d 13, 16.

Oral defamation; the speaking of false and malicious words concerning another, whereby injury results to his reputation. Lloyd v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, C.C.A.7, 55 F.2d 842, 844.

The essential elements of slander are:

(a) a false and defamatory statement concerning another;

(b) an unprivileged communication to a third party;

(c) fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher; and

(d) either actionability of the statement irrespective of harm or the existence of special harm caused by the publication. Restatement, Second, Torts No. 558.

"Libel" and "slander" are both methods of defamation; the former being expressed by print, writing, pictures, or signs; the latter by oral expressions or transitory gestures.

Compare libel

See Restatement, Second, Torts, No.568.

See also actionable per quod

- actionable per se

- per quod

- per se

- slanderous per se

@ slanderer

One who commits slander.

See slander

@ slander of title

A false and malicious statement, oral or written, made in disparagement of a person's title to real or personal property, or of some right of his causing him special damage. Higgins v. Higgins, 103 Nev. 443, 744 P.2d 530, 531.

See also jactitation; slander

@