{"id":7631,"name":"IDJI 4.80 – Definition of defamation","status":"published","creation_date":"2026-04-24T16:20:38.000Z","author":"c308admin","thumbnail":null,"content":[{"component_name":"Jury Instruction","content":{"instruction_file":{"data_type":"media","value":{"id":11764,"name":"IDJI_4.80.docx","alt_text":null,"mime_type":"application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document","file_size":14432,"media_type":"document","url":"https://api.isc.idaho.gov/uploads/Civil_Jury_Instruction_Files/1776477520880-IDJI_4.80.docx"}},"rich_text":{"data_type":"string","value":"<h3><a id=\"_Toc13032032\"></a><a id=\"_Toc34463224\"></a><a id=\"_Toc34463444\"></a><a id=\"_Toc34723685\"></a><a id=\"_Ref35416233\"></a><a id=\"_Toc38700714\"></a>IDJI 4.80 – Definition of defamation</h3><p>INSTRUCTION NO. _____</p><p>\tDefamation is the communication of false information which tends to impugn the honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation of the person [or entity] about whom the statement is made, or exposes that person [or entity] to public hatred, contempt or ridicule.</p><p>\tLibel is a form of defamation.  Libel is the communication of defamatory information by written words, or by some form that has the characteristics of written words.</p><p>\tSlander is a form of defamation by any other means.</p><p>Comment:</p><p>Gough v. Tribune-Journal Co., 73 Idaho 173, 177, 249 P.2d 192 (1952). Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 568(1); Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 568(2).</p><p>Whether a given incident is libel or slander is a question of law for the court. Use such parts of this instruction as may be necessary to inform the jury for the purposes of the case at bar.</p>"},"jury_instruction_title":{"data_type":"string","value":"IDJI 4.80 – Definition of defamation"}}}],"document_type_id":6,"document_type":"Civil Jury Instruction","entry_date":"2024-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","expiration_date":null,"seo_title":null,"seo_description":"IDJI 4.80 – Definition of defamation","og_title":null,"og_type":null,"og_url":null,"tags":[{"name":"SECTION 4.00 – OTHER AND SPECIFIC TORTS","description":"Jury instruction section: SECTION 4.00 – OTHER AND SPECIFIC TORTS"}],"categories":[],"navigation":{"primary":{"name":"Main Navigation","content":[{"label":"About the Courts","children":[],"description":"As the Third Branch of Government, we provide access to justice through the timely, fair, and impartial resolution of cases.","link":"about-the-courts"},{"label":"Cases & Opinions","children":[],"description":"Find opinions and case documents from the Idaho Supreme Court and the Idaho Court of Appeals.","link":"cases-opinions"},{"label":"Rules & Procedures","children":[],"description":"This section provides access to the court’s rules, guidelines, and procedures that govern how cases move through the judicial system.","link":"rules-procedure"},{"label":"Administration","children":[],"description":"The Administration section provides access to rules, orders, policies, and related resources that govern the administration and operation of Idaho’s courts.","link":"administrative"},{"label":"Self-Help","children":[],"description":"The Self-Help section offers clear, practical information and resources to help people understand court processes and navigate their cases with greater confidence.","link":"self-help"},{"label":"Mission & Goals","children":[],"link":"mission"},{"label":"History of the Idaho Courts","children":[],"link":"history"},{"label":"Judicial Directory","children":[],"link":"judicial-directory"},{"label":"Procedures","children":[],"link":"sc-procedures"},{"label":"Justices","children":[],"link":"sc-justices"},{"label":"Procedures","children":[],"link":"ica-procedures"},{"label":"Judges","children":[],"link":"ica-judges"},{"label":"ADA Accommodations","children":[],"link":"ada-accommodations"},{"label":"Language Access","children":[],"link":"language-access"},{"label":"Child Protection Resources","children":[],"link":"child-protection"},{"label":"Family Court Services","children":[],"link":"family-court"},{"label":"Guardianship / Conservatorship","children":[],"link":"guardianship-conservatorship"},{"label":"Juvenile Justice","children":[],"link":"juvenile-justice"},{"label":"Domestic Violence Courts","children":[],"link":"domestic-violence"},{"label":"Court Assistance Office","children":[],"description":"The Idaho Court Assistance Office (CAO) provides resources, court forms, document review, and legal information for people who want to represent themselves in court, or who are unable to afford an attorney and would otherwise be unable to get their day in court. 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