Defamation and Slander: Your Guide To Suing For Defamation

Today’s ever-expanding digital landscape and increasing speed of information dissemination have made protecting one’s reputation a more crucial thing to do. Every word spoken about an individual or business can cause severe damage at unprecedented rates, and should be addressed quickly. Also known as defamation, false or misleading statements made can have far-reaching consequences, regardless of whether they were intended or not

With Singapore’s robust legal framework, claimants have access to suitable remedies. In this article, we explore the legal intricacies involved in suing for defamation in Singapore and how defamation lawyers can help.

What Constitutes Defamation in the Court of Law?

Defamation refers to the act of making statements harmful to a person’s or a business’s reputation. To establish a claim of defamation, one will have to prove the following:

• The statement has been communicated to at least one other person besides the victim. It can occur through oral statements, written publications, online platforms, or even gestures. 
• The statement must be defamatory, meaning it must lower the victim’s reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public. It should expose the victim to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or cause the person or the business to be shunned or avoided. 
• The statement must refer to the victim either explicitly or indirectly in a way that the public can reasonably identify the person or business being defamed. 
• The statement made must be false.

Types of Defamation 

• Libel

Refers to the act of publishing a defamatory statement in a permanent or semi-permanent form. It can include statements made in writing, print, or any other visible representation, on social media platforms, magazines, online articles, and other platforms.

• Slander

Refers to the act of making a defamatory statement in a transient or temporary form. Slanderous statements are typically spoken rather than written or published. They can include remarks made in conversations, speeches, or interviews. 

What Should You Do if You have been Defamed?

If you believe that you or your business is a victim of defamation, you should seek legal advice from a defamation lawyer. A defamation lawyer can provide guidance on your specific situation, help you understand the possible solutions and remedies you can seek, and tell you what your next steps are.

Firstly, you’ll need to have evidence related to the defamatory statement to support your case. Admissable evidence can include written or printed copies, screenshots, or recordings obtained legally. Your defamation lawyer may advise you to send a Letter of Demand to request an apology and the removal of the defamatory statements, or file a defamation lawsuit. Your defamation lawyer will also be able to assist you in preparing the necessary documents and presenting your case in Court. 

You must also demonstrate that you have suffered or are likely to suffer actual harm, such as financial loss, mental distress, or damage to your reputation. 

The defamation lawsuit process in Singapore is complex and you’ll require the assistance of a defamation lawyer in order to carefully navigate the procedures. Some steps you’ll need to take include filing a Writ of Summons, Serving the Writ, Exchanging of Pleadings, and going to trial. 

If you’ve been the subject of any defamation, Quahe Woo & Palmer’s defamation lawyers can help you. Get in touch with our lawyers for more legal assistance.