Simple English definitions for legal terms
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SLANDER PER QUOD: Slander per quod is a type of slander that does not automatically cause harm to the person being talked about. The person who is being slandered has to prove that they were hurt by the words that were said. This is different from slander per se, which automatically causes harm and does not require proof. Slander is when someone says something untrue about another person that can harm their reputation. Trade slander is when someone says something untrue about a business or product.
Definition: Slander per quod is a type of slander that does not automatically qualify as slander per se, which means the plaintiff must prove special damages. Slander is a defamatory statement expressed in speech or other transitory forms. Unlike libel, damages for slander are not presumed and must be proven by the plaintiff, unless it is slander per se.
Examples: If someone says that a restaurant serves bad food, it may not be considered slander per se. However, if the statement causes the restaurant to lose business, the restaurant owner may sue for slander per quod and must prove the damages caused by the statement. Another example is if someone falsely accuses another person of stealing, and the accusation causes the person to lose their job, the person who made the false accusation may be sued for slander per quod.
Explanation: The examples illustrate how slander per quod requires the plaintiff to prove special damages caused by the defamatory statement. In the first example, the restaurant owner must prove that the statement caused them to lose business and suffer financial damages. In the second example, the person who made the false accusation must compensate the person who lost their job due to the accusation. Slander per quod is a legal term that helps determine the level of damages a plaintiff can claim in a defamation lawsuit.