Legal Tool

Defamation Risk Calculator

Evaluate the baseline risk of publishing potentially defamatory statements. This tool does not replace legal counsel, but prepares you for the conversation.

JavaScript Required

This interactive calculator requires JavaScript to function. Please review our static defamation guidelines instead.

1. Subject Status

Public Official / Public Figure

Politicians, celebrities, high-profile CEOs. Requires proving "actual malice."

Private Figure

Ordinary citizens. Typically only requires proving negligence.

2. Nature of Statement

Statement of Fact (Provably false) Pure Opinion (Rhetorical hyperbole)

3. Verification Level

Primary Documents & On-Record Sources Anonymous Sources Only

Next Step:

Essential Resources

1. Subject Status

2. Nature of Statement

3. Verification Level

Essential Resources

Investigative

Ethics & Law

Craft & Career