What is Arizona's law on slander?

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," is spoken or written words that falsely and negatively reflect on a living person's reputation.

If a person or the news media says or writes something about you that harms your reputation, or that keeps people from associating with you, defamation has occurred. Slander is oral defamation, and libel is written defamation.

Slander is a spoken defamation. Defamation or "defamation of character," is spoken or written words that falsely and negatively reflect on a living person's reputation.

In order to prove defamation, you have to prove that what was said or written about you was false. If the information is true, or if you consented to publication of the material, you will not have a case. However, you may bring an action for libel or slander if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they affect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.

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.