criminal libel

At common law, a malicious libel that is designed to expose a person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule and that may subject the author to criminal sanctions.

• Because of constitutional protections of free speech, libel is no longer criminally prosecuted. [Cases: Libel and Slander 141. C.J.S. Libel and Slander; Injurious Falsehood §§ 7–8.]

---

词条贡献者

译员张宏，知名法学院法律翻译专业，专注翻译各种与调查与白领犯罪辩护有关的法律文件。