INJURIOUS FALSEHOOD Meaning and
Definition
-
Injurious falsehood refers to a legal term that refers to a false statement or representation made about a person, business, or product that causes harm or damage to their reputation, resulting in financial loss. Also known as trade libel or product disparagement, injurious falsehood aims to protect individuals and entities from false statements that undermine their integrity and credibility.
An injurious falsehood occurs when someone makes a statement, either orally or in writing, that is false, and they either know or should have known of its falsity. The statement must be made with the intention of causing harm or loss to the subject's reputation or business interests. The falsehood must be communicated to third parties and must directly result in financial damages, such as a decrease in sales or a loss of business opportunities.
In legal terms, proving an injurious falsehood case typically requires demonstrating that the false statement was made, that it was directly responsible for monetary losses, and that it was made with a malicious or negligent intent. The injured party may seek damages for the financial losses suffered as a result of the false statement, as well as potential punitive damages.
It is important to note that injurious falsehood is subject to defamation laws, which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Individuals and businesses affected by injurious falsehood may seek legal remedies to protect their reputation and seek compensation for the damages incurred.
Etymology of INJURIOUS FALSEHOOD
The etymology of the phrase "injurious falsehood" can be traced back to the Latin and Old French languages.
The word "injurious" is derived from the Latin word "injuriosus", which means harmful or unjust. It is formed from the Latin prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "un-" and the word "jus", meaning right or law.
The term "falsehood" comes from the Old French word "falsete" which has its roots in the Latin word "falsitas", meaning falseness or deceit.
When combined, "injurious falsehood" refers to a statement, claim, or assertion that is both harmful and false. It is typically used in the context of defamation or malicious statements that cause damage to a person's reputation.
