Libel and slander are both types of defamation. Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally. The difference between defamation and slander is that a defamatory statement can be made in any medium. For a more detailed definition, please visit this LegalZoom article.
North Carolina’s Definition of Defamation
Under North Carolina defamation law, libel is the publication of false statements about another in written or broadcast form, while slander consists of spoken false statements about another.
For North Carolina defamation plaintiffs to succeed in their libel or slander lawsuit, they must prove the following four (4) elements:
-A false statement of fact;
-Cause of injury to the plaintiff’s reputation;
-Of and concerning the plaintiff;
-Published to a third person.
