Legal Definitions - libel per quod

Definition: Libel per quod is a type of libel that is only actionable if special damages are alleged and proven. It can also refer to a type of libel where the defamatory meaning is not apparent on the face of the statement but must be proved from extrinsic circumstances.

Examples:

• Example 1: A newspaper publishes an article stating that a local business owner has been accused of embezzlement. If the business owner can prove that they lost customers or revenue as a result of the article, they may have a case for libel per quod.
• Example 2: A blogger writes a post about a celebrity, using coded language that implies the celebrity is a drug addict. The post itself does not explicitly state this, but the blogger's readers understand the implication. This could be considered libel per quod.

These examples illustrate how libel per quod can be more difficult to prove than other types of libel, as it requires the plaintiff to show specific damages or prove the defamatory meaning through extrinsic evidence.