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.]