Definition of Libel

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Definition of Libel

Libel

A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.

A malicious publication expressed either in print or in writing, or by pictures, effigies, or other signs, tending to expose another to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. Such publication is indictable at common law.

The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.

A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.

To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon.

To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.

To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against.

Related Definitions:

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Libel Quotations

Too many of us look upon Americans as dollar chasers. This is a cruel libel, even if it is reiterated thoughtlessly by the Americans themselves.
Albert Einstein

The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.
James Thurber

No other country in the world gives protection like that, but it is not absolute protection. People sometimes meet that high burden and win libel suits, and in those cases I think they ought to win.
Floyd Abrams

I mean, in some cases with libel laws, you know, they can write things about people who have no course of action, because they can't afford to take legal action against them.
Elton John

When public men indulge themselves in abuse, when they deny others a fair trial, when they resort to innuendo and insinuation, to libel, scandal, and suspicion, then our democratic society is outraged, and democracy is baffled.
J. William Fulbright

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few actions for libel on account of these unfortunate coincidences than that he should adopt the melancholy device of using blanks or asterisks.
James Payn

There are so many exceptions to free speech: child pornography, cross burning, libel, fighting words.
Cliff Stearns

Wart hogs should sue for libel. It is a terrible name and they are fine fellows and devoted family men and it is rare to see one by himself; the little woman and the kiddies are usually close at hand.
Ilka Chase

If you call your opponent a politician, it's grounds for libel.
Mark Russell

Libel actions, when we look at them in perspective, are an ornament of a civilized society. They have replaced, after all, at least in most cases, a resort to weapons in defense of a reputation.
Henry Anatole Grunwald

Libel Translations

libel in French is libelle
libel in German is Beleidigung, verunglimpfen
libel in Norwegian is injurie, injuriere
libel in Spanish is libelo

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