Legal Question in Criminal Law in Kentucky

Libel/Slander

Is libel/slander a criminal or a civil offense? What's the difference between a criminal and a civile offense? Are the laws pertaining to libel/slander federal or state based?


Asked on 1/04/02, 7:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Matthew Leveridge Hays, Leveridge & Leveridge, PLLC

Re: Libel/Slander

Libel and slander are civil offenses. The difference between civil and criminal offenses is that for criminal offenses, one party has to be the state or United States. With criminal offenses, jail time and fines are possible. With a civil claim, only money damages, and in some instances injunctive relief, can be recovered. As a general rule, libel and slander are state law causes of action.

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Answered on 1/06/02, 8:31 pm


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