Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Mexico

Re: Slander

Slander involves the spoken word, libel involves the written word. Either may form the basis for a civil suit if (1) the defendant makes harmful statements concerning the plaintiff which are untrue, and (2) the plaintiff suffers some economic loss or other harm from the wrongful statements. Truth is always a defense to a slander or libel action. Slander actions are difficult to prove and difficult to maintain. It is usually not possible to show the economic loss which is required.