Defamation of Character NJ

Defamation is a civil wrong that can come with serious consequences. It happens when someone makes false and injurious statements that cause harm to another individual, financially, reputation-wise, or in terms of future opportunities and/or physical and mental health.

To establish a defamation case, one must prove that one of the two types of defamation occurred — slander or libel. Slander refers to defamation that is spoken or gestured while libel refers to written or published defamation.

To prevent this from damaging one’s reputation further, many choose to send a cease and desist letter, telling the individual to stop making false claims before legal action ensues. To learn more about how the state of New Jersey deals with defamatory claims, read below.

Defining Defamation in the State of New Jersey

Following New Jersey’s state laws, it is important to define the extent and type of defamation before proceeding with a case. Many differences exist between what is defamation and what isn’t, including:

The Difference between slander and libel

The two types of defamation are slander and libel:

Libel can also be recognized by the fact that it attributes a permanent record, like an email, radio or TV broadcast, newspaper article, or posting
Slander, contrastingly, does not have a permanent record, making it as simple as a spoken statement or a hand gesture towards someone

Identifying the main cause and type of defamation that occurred is the first way to prove a defamation claim, or to establish the grounds for sending a cease and desist letter

Online Defamation in the State of New Jersey

Although proving online defamation can be difficult, the state of New Jersey streamlines the ability to pursue legal action. In all, two New Jersey state laws apply to situations of cyberbullying that can result in criminal prosecution. Here’s what you need to know:

Cyberbullying can be charged under New Jersey harassment law when the harassment occurs in an electronic format intended to annoy or harm someone
This includes making threats to inflict harm or injury on the victim, their property and sending materials to emotionally harm a victim or place them under fear of emotional or physical harm
This could result in posting an abusive message on a social media platform, sending threatening messages to a victim, stalking, engaging in two or more acts against a victim where the victim is left in fear for their safety
Repeated contact and conduct is what escalates the crime

Cyber harassment penalties in New Jersey

This crime is a crime of the fourth degree, penalties can range but usually cover the following:

A fine of up to $10,00
Up to 18 months in prison
Both, or a combination of other financial compensatory procedures

Defamation of Character in the State of New Jersey

In New Jersey, the law states that the following are elements of defamation, provable in a criminal court:

A False statement	A false statement was issued, concerning the plaintiff
An unauthorized publication	Something was publicized that was unauthorized and defamatory
A mistake/fault	The mistake amounted to criminal negligence
Losses suffered	The losses incurred caused damage and the damage can be proven in court

Examples of defamation in the state of New Jersey

The state of New Jersey courts’ system recognizes many privileges and defenses in the context of defamation, including:

Substantial Truth: “Truth” as the actual defense against defamation
Fair Report Privileges: Reports of defamatory statements made in judicial and other official proceedings
Neutral Reportage Privilege: New Jersey offers extensive protections available under the New Jersey fair report privilege that are analogous to a neutral reportage privilege

Should You Write a Cease and Desist Letter?

Writing a cease and desist letter is a very complicated process that discredits your case if not conducted properly.
If you are unable to prove the damages, harm, and details of your case and to compose a legally sound letter, you will run the risk of your letter being discarded when used as evidence in court.
Also, many lawyers who will draft cease and desist letters are extremely expensive and time-consuming — keep in mind that the statute of limitations for the state of New Jersey is 1 year after the incident, providing a short window of time that is viable to sue or submit a claim.

How to Draft a Cease and Desist Letter With DoNotPay!

DoNotPay is a quick, trustworthy and convenient solution! The cease and desist letter drafts details the information about the case, demands retraction, warns against any impending statements, and will order that the accused abides by New Jersey state law.

All you need to do is:

1. Search "defamation" on and select the Defamation Demand Letters service.

2. Tell us about your situation.

3. Based on your location, DoNotPay will immediately generate a formal demand letter on your behalf, with the most relevant state legislation regarding defamation.

That’s it! A cease and desist letter will be drafted for you in an instant!

DoNotPay Helps With More

DoNotPay doesn’t stop at helping you write cease and desist letters. The AI-powered robot lawyer can help you with day-to-day issues such as cancelling subscriptions, creating passport photos, appealing parking tickets, and so much more! Here's what else we offer: