Legal Definitions - veritas convicii

Veritas convicii is a historical legal phrase that translates from Latin to "the truth of the accusation." It refers to the principle that if a statement made about someone, even if it harms their reputation, can be proven to be factually true, then it generally cannot be considered defamation (libel or slander). Historically, proving the truth of an accusation was a complete defense against claims of defamation.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Public Official Misconduct

  A local investigative journalist publishes an article alleging that a city council member has been using public funds for personal travel expenses. The council member, feeling their reputation is damaged, sues the newspaper for defamation.

  In this scenario, the newspaper's defense would rely on veritas convicii. If the journalist can present irrefutable evidence, such as expense reports, receipts, and travel itineraries, proving that the council member indeed misused public funds for personal trips, then the accusation is true. The truth of the accusation would serve as a defense, and the defamation claim against the newspaper would likely fail.

• Example 2: Business Ethics

  A consumer watchdog organization releases a report claiming that a major food company is misleading customers by labeling genetically modified ingredients as "natural." The food company sues the organization, arguing that the report is false and damaging to its brand.

  The consumer watchdog organization would assert veritas convicii as its defense. If they can provide scientific analysis, internal company documents, or expert testimony demonstrating that the company's "natural" labeling practices do indeed misrepresent the presence of genetically modified ingredients, then their accusation is truthful. This truth would protect them from the defamation lawsuit.

• Example 3: Professional Competence

  During a professional conference, one architect publicly states that a competitor frequently misses project deadlines and has a history of cost overruns. The competitor, believing their professional standing has been unfairly tarnished, considers legal action for slander.

  The architect who made the statement could invoke veritas convicii. If they can produce project timelines, client testimonials, or financial records from past projects that clearly show the competitor's consistent failure to meet deadlines and stay within budget, then the accusations are factually true. The truth of these statements would likely prevent a successful defamation claim.