What are the laws on slander in Arizona?

Q: What constitutes slander in Arizona?

In Arizona, slander is defined as making false oral statements that harm another person's reputation. To be considered slanderous, the statement must be untrue and damaging. This can include false accusations or misleading remarks that negatively affect how others perceive the individual.

Q: What is needed to prove slander?

To prove slander in Arizona, you must demonstrate that the statement was false, made to a third party, and caused harm to your reputation. Additionally, you may need to show that the speaker acted with negligence or actual malice, especially if you are a public figure.

Full question:

What is Arizona's law on slander?

Category: Civil Actions
Subcategory: Defamation
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Arizona

Answer:

Defamation, or "defamation of character," refers to spoken or written statements that falsely harm a person's reputation. In Arizona, slander specifically means oral defamation, while libel refers to written defamation.

To prove slander, you must show that the statements made about you were false. If the information is true or if you consented to its publication, you cannot win a defamation case. However, you may have a valid claim for slander if the false statements are particularly damaging to your reputation or relationships in the community.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What kind of slander is illegal?

Illegal slander involves making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. This could include spreading lies about someone's character, business practices, or personal life that can harm their relationships or standing in the community. If the statements are true or if the person consented to the statements being made, it typically does not qualify as slander.