slander etymology

Etymology

The word "slander" is derived from the Old French term "esclandre," which means "public scandal" or "defamation." It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "scandalum," which refers to a stumbling block or obstacle.

Meaning and Origin

Slander is a type of defamation that involves the spoken or written communication of false and damaging statements about a person. These statements can be made intentionally or recklessly, and they can cause harm to the person's reputation, relationships, or career.

In the legal context, slander refers to a defamatory statement that is not made in writing. It is distinct from libel, which refers to defamatory statements that are written or published.

The concept of slander has a long history in both law and society. In ancient Greece, for example, laws were in place to protect citizens from false and malicious accusations that could damage their reputations. In Medieval Europe, the church played a significant role in regulating slander, as it was considered a sin to spread false information about others.

Today, slander remains a serious offense in most countries. Laws against slander vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but they typically require that the plaintiff prove that the defendant made a false statement, that the statement was communicated to a third party, and that it caused the plaintiff harm.

slander relate terms

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  • slanderous

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  • slander

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