Libel

In Practice. A written statement by a plaintiff, in ecclesiastical and admiralty courts, of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks to obtain in a suit.

Law, Ecc. Law, 17; Ayliffe, Par. 346; Shelf. Mar. & Div. 506; Dunl. Adm. Prac. 111.

It performs substantially the same office in the ecclesiastical courts, and those courts which follow the practice of the ecclesiastical courts, as the bill in chancery and the declaration in common-law practice. In Torts. That which la written or printed, and published, calculated to injure the character of another by bringing him into ridicule, hatred, or contempt.

Parke, J., 15 Mees. & W. 344.

Everything, written or printed, which reflects on the character of another, and is published without lawful justification or excuse, is a libel, whatever the intention may have been.

15 Mees. & W. 487.

A malicious defamation, expressed either in printing or writing, or by signs or pictures, and tending either to blacken the memory of one who is dead, or the reputation of one who is alive, and expose him to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.

1 Hawk. P. C. bk. 1, c. 73, i 1; 4 Mass. 168; 2 Pick. (Mass.) 115; 9 Johns. (N. Y.) 214; 1 Denio (N. Y.) 347; 24 Wend. (N. Y.) 434; 9 Barn & C. 172; 4 Man. & R. 127; 2 Kent, Comm. 13.

It has been defined, perhaps, with more precision, to be a censorious or ridiculous writing, picture, or sign made with a malicious or mischievous intent towards government, magistrates, or individuals.

3 Johns. Cas. (N. Y.) 354; 9 Johni. (N. Y.) 215; 5 Bin. (Pa.) 340.

Any publication not oral, which exposes a person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy, or tends to injure him in his business or calling, impairing his standing in society, or cause him to be shunned or avoided by his neighbors.

Odgers, Libel & S. 22.