Online Defamation Legal Risk Calculator

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Assess the potential legal risk of a statement based on general U.S. defamation principles.

1. Was the statement communicated to at least one other person (a third party) besides the person it's about?

Yes (e.g., posted online, said in a group, sent in an email) No (e.g., only said privately to the person, written in a personal diary)

2. Is the statement a factual claim that can be proven false?

Yes (It's a statement of fact, like "He stole money.") No (It's a pure opinion, like "I think he is a bad person.")

3. Does the statement clearly identify a specific person, or a small, identifiable group?

Yes (A name was used or the description is unmistakable) No (It's about a large group or is vague, e.g., "Some politicians are corrupt")

4. Is the person the statement is about a private individual?

Yes (A regular citizen not in the public spotlight) No (A public figure like a celebrity, politician, or CEO)

5. Could the statement harm the person's reputation, causing them to be shunned, ridiculed, or lose business?

Yes No

Risk Analysis

Your Answers

Disclaimer: This tool provides a simplified, educational estimate of potential legal risk for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Defamation law is complex and varies by jurisdiction. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.

Please answer all questions before calculating the risk.

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