What does the term "criminal libel" refer to?

The term "criminal libel" refers to a statement that injures the reputation of another person, made with malice. In the context of criminal law, libel is considered a criminal offense when the defamatory statement is intentionally false and made with the knowledge of its falsehood or with a reckless disregard for the truth. This malicious intent is a critical element, as it distinguishes criminal libel from civil defamation cases, which may not necessarily require proof of malice.

Criminal libel aims to protect individuals' reputations from malicious attacks that could lead to societal turmoil or emotional harm. Because reputational harm can have severe social consequences, the law takes seriously any malicious falsehoods that could damage an individual's standing in the community.

Understanding the meaning of criminal libel is essential for grasping the broader implications of defamation within the legal system and recognizing how the law balances the right to free speech against the need to protect individuals from wrongful harm.