Most defamation cases are simply too small for a lawyer to handle and too costly for the average plaintiff to sustain. The cost of litigation can easily exceed $50,000 and most lawyers charge by the hour and demand a significant retainer upfront. So what do you do if you've just been defamed? … [Read more...] about Why You Don’t Need A Lawyer In Most Defamation Cases
Defamation
How Long Can You Wait To File A Defamation Lawsuit?
In California, you have one year from the date of publication in which to file an action for libel and slander. Code of Civil Procedure § 340(c). That's right. Only one year. Lawyers call this a "statute of limitations." Therefore, do not wait to file a defamation claim or you may lose the right to do so. … [Read more...] about How Long Can You Wait To File A Defamation Lawsuit?
Lawyer In Defamation Case Sanctioned $14,000
A lawyer being sued by a New York law firm for defamation made the unfortunate mistake of attempting to implead opposing counsel as a third-party defendant in the lawsuit. As a result, the attorney was sanctioned by the court in the sum of $14,000 for employing a "frivolous" tactic. For more about this story, read the Corporate Legal Times. This … [Read more...] about Lawyer In Defamation Case Sanctioned $14,000
Does the U.S. Need A National Speech Code?
I wrote a post not too long ago about "defamation of religion" and the United Nations. After reading Steven Groves' excellent article, "Why the U.S. Should Oppose "Defamation of Religions" Resolutions at the United Nations", I am firmly convinced that the First Amendment as we understand it today is in danger. It is well known … [Read more...] about Does the U.S. Need A National Speech Code?
What is Defamation?
Defamation is the false or unjustified injury of the reputation of another person. Generally, defamation comes in two forms: Slander and Libel. Slander is an oral defamation and Libel is a written defamation (also pictures and video, and any defamatory statement on the internet). … [Read more...] about What is Defamation?