Libel Damages in the United States
Libel Damages
Introduction to Libel Damages
It has usually been presumed that libelous communications caused damage. In many cases today, however, actual injury must be proved before money damages may be awarded. If proved, damages are available for monetary losses-such as loss of business or of a job-as well as for other types of losses, including harm to the victim’s reputation or emotional distress. In addition, punitive damages (aimed to punish the libeler rather than to compensate the victim) have also been awarded, but in many cases punitive damages are no longer permitted without proof of constitutional malice. Nominal damages, such as $1, may be awarded when a libelous communication causes little harm.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Libel Damages in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia