Libel is a written or printed statement that is damaging to a person's reputation. It can be found in newspapers, magazines, books, or online. Defamation is a broader term that includes both libel and spoken statements that damage a person's reputation.
The main difference between libel and defamation is that libel is a crime, while defamation is a civil wrong. This means that libel can result in criminal penalties, such as fines or jail time, while defamation can only result in civil damages, such as compensation for lost wages or emotional distress.
In order for a statement to be considered libelous, it must be false, defamatory, and published. False means that the statement is untrue. Defamatory means that the statement is harmful to someone's reputation. Published means that the statement has been made public.
Defamation, on the other hand, does not require the statement to be written or printed. It can be spoken, written, or even gestured. It also does not require the statement to be false. It can be true, but still defamatory if it harms someone's reputation.
Finally, libel and defamation can only occur if the person who makes the statement does so with the intent to harm the person's reputation. If the statement is made without the intent to harm, then it is not considered libel or defamation.
If you believe that you have been the victim of libel or defamation, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your options. A lawyer can help you determine if your rights have been violated and, if so, can represent you in court to seek damages for any harm you have suffered.