POLITICAL LIBEL Meaning and
Definition
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Political libel refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about a politician or political figure with the intention of harming their reputation and credibility. It is a form of defamation that occurs when false and damaging information is published, spoken, or broadcasted about a politician with the intent of tarnishing their public image.
The term "libel" pertains specifically to written or printed material, such as newspapers, magazines, or online publications, but it can also encompass spoken words known as slander. Political libel covers a broad range of false statements that may include allegations of corruption, incompetence, misconduct, or unethical behavior. These false statements must be harmful to the politician's reputation and are presented as factual rather than as opinions or conjecture.
Political libel is considered a serious offense as it not only damages the reputation of the targeted individual, but also impacts public trust and confidence in the political system. Legal ramifications for those found guilty of political libel can include civil lawsuits aimed at seeking compensation for the damage caused, as well as criminal charges depending on the jurisdiction.
Due to the importance of freedom of speech and the press in democratic societies, political libel must meet specific criteria to be considered actionable. These criteria often involve proving that the statement was false, made with malicious intent, and caused harm to the politician's reputation.
Etymology of POLITICAL LIBEL
The term "political libel" can be understood by examining the etymology of each component.
"Political" originates from the Greek word "polis", meaning city or state. It passed through Latin as "politicus" and eventually evolved into the English term "political" during the 16th century. It refers to matters related to governance, the state, or public affairs.
"Libel", on the other hand, comes from Old French "libelle" or "lible", which can be traced back to Latin "libellus", meaning a small book or a pamphlet. Over time, "libelle" developed into the English term "libel" during the 14th century. It originally referred to a written or printed defamatory statement that could harm someone's reputation.
