Is it slander to announce that a person has tested HIV positive where the statement is not true?
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. I would call that a "lie!"
Here is a good definition of the word itself:
Main Entry: [2]slander
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sclaundre, slaundre, from Old French esclandre, from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, offense —more at SCANDAL
Date: 14th century
1 : the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation
2 : a false and defamatory oral statement about a person — compare LIBEL
- slan·der·ous /-d(&-)r&s/ adjective
- slan·der·ous·ly adverb
- slan·der·ous·ness noun
Sra
I am not a lawyer, but I can provide some general information. In many jurisdictions, spreading false information about someone having tested positive for HIV could potentially be considered defamation rather than slander. Defamation generally refers to the type of statement (oral, written, or symbolic) that harms a person's reputation. Slander specifically refers to false spoken statements while defamation includes false statements in any medium, such as written, printed, or broadcasted.
To get a definitive answer tailored to your specific jurisdiction and circumstances, it is important to consult with a legal professional who specializes in defamation laws in your area. They would be able to provide you with accurate information regarding the legal implications and potential consequences of spreading false information about someone's health status.