Qualified Privilege

Pronunciation: KWOL-uh-fyd PRIV-uh-lij

Torts › Defamation

Definition

Conditional defense to defamation protecting statements made in good faith on matters where speaker has interest or duty to communicate to recipient who has corresponding interest. Lost if speaker acts with malice or publishes beyond necessary recipients. Examples: employment references, credit reports, professional peer review. Promotes necessary communications.

Related terms

• Defamation — False statement of fact about plaintiff published to third party that damages plaintiff's reputation. Two forms: libel (written)…
• Actual Malice — Constitutional fault standard for defamation claims by public figures and public officials. Plaintiff must prove defendant published with…

Go deeper

2 worked examples, 4 exceptions, landmark cases, flashcards, issue spotting and the interactive mind map for Qualified Privilege are available with a free account.

Create a free account — the whole Torts subject is free.