Before dealing with Libel Law one should know the definitions of Defamation, Libel and Slander:

- Defamation is the issuance of a false statement about another person, which caused them to suffer harm

- Libel includes making of a defamatory statement in a printed method, usually a newspaper or a magazine

- Slander is making of a defamatory statement by a transitory (non-fixed) representation, usually an oral spoken representation

The harm caused by any of the three categories usually reflect on the reputation of the plaintiff, but it also may be enough to establish mental suffering.

Those accused in libel have several options to defend themselves in court:

- the best of every possible defenses to an action of defamation is “truth“

- “privilege“ - statements made in court, or arguments given by lawyers, or by judges sitting on the bench are regarded as privileged and cannot be considered as an action of defamation, no matter how irregular or false they are.

- “opinion“ - when a statement is being regarded as expressing personal opinion, it cannot be considered as an action of defamation. It is left to the court jurisdiction and the community perception of the context if the statement will be viewed as an expression of fact or opinion.

- a defense similar to “opinion“ is a defense based on the so called "fair comment on a matter of public interest“.