Hopkinton is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, just over 30 miles (50 km) west and south of Boston. The town is best known as the starting point of the Boston Marathon, held annually on Patriots' Day in April, and as the home of computer storage firm EMC Corporation. For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Hopkinton, please see the article Hopkinton (CDP), Massachusetts.

What is defamation libel and slander law?

Defamation is any statement, whether written or oral, that injures the good name or reputation of another person. For a statement to be defamatory, it must not be true.

A defamation designed to be read is libel. Libel also may include harmful statements in a fixed medium, especially writing but also a picture, sign, or electronic broadcast.

An oral defamation is slander. Slander is a harmful statement in a transitory form, especially speech.

Answers to defamation libel and slander law issues in Massachusetts

The term defamation refers to a false statement made about someone or some organization that is damaging to their...