6.03.020 Defamation Classified and Defined

Defamation is effected by:

(a) Libel or

(b) Slander per se

(c) Slander. Libel is a false and unprivileged publication by writing, printing, picture, effigy, or other fixed presentation to the eye which exposes any person to hatred, contempt, ridicule or exposure to abuse, or which causes him to be shunned or avoided, or which has a tendency to injure him in his occupation. Slander per se is a false and unprivileged oral publication, other than libel, which:

(1) Charges any person with a crime or with having been indicted, convicted, or punished for a crime;

(2) Imputes to him the present existence of an infectious, contagious or repulsive disease;

(3) Tends directly to injure him in respect to his office, profession, trade, or business, either by imputing to him general disqualification in those respects which the office or other occupation peculiarly requires or by imputing something with reference to his office, profession, trade, or business that has a natural tendency to lessen its profit;

(4) Imputes to him impotence or lack of chastity;

(5) Slander is a false and unprivileged oral publication, other than libel, which requires the plaintiff to plead and prove special damage caused by the slander.