Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Libel of information is a term used in maritime law that refers to a type of legal document called a libel. A libel is a written statement that is defamatory, meaning it harms someone's reputation. Libel can take many forms, including writing, pictures, signs, or electronic broadcasts.
There are different types of libel, including:
For example, if someone writes an article accusing a company of selling unsafe products, and the article is not true, it could be considered trade libel. This type of libel can harm the company's reputation and cause them to lose business.
It's important to note that libel is no longer prosecuted as a crime because of constitutional protections of free speech. However, a person who has been defamed can still sue for damages in a civil court.