Legal Definitions - criminal libel

Criminal libel is a type of crime where someone makes a false statement about another person that harms their reputation. This statement must be made with the intention of causing harm or with reckless disregard for the truth. It is a criminal offense, meaning that the person who made the false statement can be punished by law.

For example, if someone writes a false article about a politician, accusing them of corruption, and publishes it in a newspaper, they could be charged with criminal libel. The false statement harms the politician's reputation and could cause them to lose their job or face other consequences.

Another example is if someone spreads false rumors about a celebrity, claiming that they are involved in illegal activities. This could harm the celebrity's reputation and cause them to lose fans or job opportunities.

Criminal libel is a serious offense because it can cause real harm to a person's reputation and livelihood. It is important to be truthful and responsible when making statements about others.