Legal Definitions - scandalum magnatum

Definition: Scandalum magnatum is a Latin term used in law to refer to slanderous statements made about powerful people, such as judges, state officials, or peers. These statements are considered actionable, meaning they can be the basis for a lawsuit, and are seen as particularly heinous because they target individuals in positions of high rank and respect.

Example: If someone were to spread false rumors about a judge, claiming that they were corrupt or had accepted bribes, this would be an example of scandalum magnatum. Similarly, if someone were to make derogatory comments about a member of the royal family or a high-ranking government official, this would also be considered scandalum magnatum.

These examples illustrate the definition of scandalum magnatum because they involve false and damaging statements made about individuals who hold positions of power and authority. Such statements can have serious consequences, both for the individuals targeted and for the institutions they represent, which is why they are treated as a particularly serious form of slander.