---
title: "Libel"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/libel
---

# Libel

Libel is the form of defamation that occurs through a written, printed, or otherwise fixed medium, including publications, broadcasts, and online posts. Because of its permanent nature and wider potential reach, libel is generally treated as more serious than slander. At common law, libel is actionable per se — the plaintiff need not prove special damages. Modern applications extend libel to social media posts, blog articles, and other digital communications.

## Related Terms

- defamation
- slander
- freedom-of-speech

## Related Cases

- new-york-times-v-sullivan

## Example

A blogger publishes a false statement that a restaurant uses spoiled ingredients. This is libel because it is published in a fixed, written format.

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Source: [Libel — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/libel)