Learn More About Defamation Libel And Slander Law in Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington, and the twelfth largest city in the state. It is situated on Bellingham Bay, which is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia. It lies west of Mount Baker and Lake Whatcom (from which it gets its drinking water) and north of the Chuckanut Mountains and Skagit Valley. Whatcom Creek runs through the center of the city. The Census Bureau estimated that Bellingham's population was 78,905 in July 1, 2008. The boundaries of the city encompass the former towns of Fairhaven (now home to the southern ferry terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway System), Whatcom, Sehome, and Silver Beach. Nearly half of all residents of Whatcom County live within Bellingham.

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 Washington

What are defamation, slander and libel?

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