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2018-08-08: Updated: 2018-08-08 18:11:13 Conspiracy Theorists: Defamatory Meaning Depends on Who’s Talking

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-07-23: Updated: 2018-07-22 12:09:31 Defamation Through An Agent

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-06-16: Updated: 2018-06-16 12:32:02 No Vicarious Liability Unless Statement Made Within Scope of Employment

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-05-06: Updated: 2018-05-06 14:34:46 Does Virginia’s Anti-SLAPP Statute Apply Retroactively?

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-04-18: Updated: 2018-04-18 11:49:08 What’s An Opinion?

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-01-22: Updated: 2018-01-21 11:58:36 Defining the Relevant Community When Examining Defamatory Meaning

by Lee E. Berlik

2018-01-04: Updated: 2018-01-04 15:51:49 Where Qualified Privilege Applies, Defamation Case May Never Reach a Jury

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-11-29: Updated: 2017-11-29 15:59:06 Press Release Held Defamatory By Implication

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-11-11: Updated: 2017-11-11 12:27:07 Does Virginia’s Anti-SLAPP Statute Apply to Consumer Reviews?

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-10-13: Updated: 2017-10-13 12:52:03 Separating Fact From Opinion Is Not Always Easy

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-09-17: Updated: 2017-09-17 12:44:06 Police Reports: Qualified Privilege or Absolute Immunity?

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-07-23: Updated: 2017-07-23 13:58:10 In Cases of Internet Defamation, Where Can You Sue?

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-06-03: Updated: 2017-06-03 14:07:48 The Substantial Truth Doctrine Saves Katie Couric–For Now

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-05-25: Updated: 2017-05-25 15:12:11 Can Small Business Owners Sue When Their Companies Are Defamed?

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-05-01: Updated: 2017-04-29 13:18:45 Not Everybody Reads That Story the Way You Do

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-04-23: Updated: 2017-09-08 14:49:01 Felon’s Defamation-By-Implication Claim Proceeds to Trial

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-03-24: Updated: 2018-02-15 12:47:47 New Statutory Immunity for Statements on Matters of Public Concern

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-03-16: Updated: 2017-03-16 16:03:16 No Discovery Rule for Defamation Claims in Virginia

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-03-06: Updated: 2017-03-03 17:50:37 Don’t Overlook Defamation Per Quod

by Lee E. Berlik

2017-01-23: Updated: 2017-01-23 16:04:39 Virginia’s Self-Defense Privilege

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-11-17: Updated: 2017-11-17 12:09:37 What Is Defamatory Meaning?

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-10-28: Updated: 2016-10-28 17:11:53 Former Boss Fired You But Tells People You Quit: Not Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-09-30: Updated: 2016-09-30 12:31:48 Limited Purpose Public Figures Must Prove Malice

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-09-14: Updated: 2016-09-14 18:21:32 Defamation By Video Manipulation: the Couric Case

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-09-13: Updated: 2017-11-29 16:03:30 Rolling Stone Article Sufficiently “Of and Concerning” Phi Kappa Psi to Survive Dismissal

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-07-26: Updated: 2016-07-26 19:36:56 No Personal Jurisdiction in Virginia Without Purposeful Targeting of Virginia Readers

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-07-19: Updated: 2017-11-17 12:05:45 Use of Virginia Computer Network Won’t Necessarily Confer Jurisdiction Over Nonresident

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-07-08: Updated: 2016-07-08 13:39:15 How to Write a Scathing Online Review Without Getting Sued

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-05-29: Updated: 2016-05-29 11:39:54 Public Official Suing Local Paper Will Need to Prove Malice

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-05-16: Updated: 2016-05-16 08:57:23 If Substantial Danger to Reputation Not Apparent, Plaintiff’s Burden Is Higher

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-04-25: Updated: 2016-04-23 11:49:56 Minor Factual Discrepancies Won’t Support Defamation Action

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-04-10: Updated: 2016-10-24 12:52:52 Opinions Laden with Factual Content Are Actionable

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-02-27: Updated: 2016-11-18 09:59:52 The Overlooked Bill of Particulars

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-01-23: Updated: 2017-11-17 12:04:31 False Information in Credit Report May Not Support Defamation Action

by Lee E. Berlik

2016-01-17: Updated: 2016-01-31 16:43:34 Slander on the Sly: Intentionally Overheard Accusations

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-12-10: Updated: 2016-01-08 20:26:30 Internet Listicles Are Probably Opinion

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-12-07: Updated: 2015-12-07 21:38:47 In Federal Court, Unnecessary to Plead Exact Words

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-10-16: Updated: 2015-10-16 15:48:50 Face-To-Face Confrontation Not Required to Satisfy Insulting Words Statute

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-10-15: Updated: 2017-11-17 12:03:01 Doctor’s Defamation Claim Against CVS Goes Forward

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-09-28: Updated: 2017-11-17 12:00:45 Invasion of Privacy in Virginia

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-09-04: Updated: 2016-10-07 15:19:51 Distinguishing Public Officials from Public Figures

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-07-18: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:01:08 Must Context Be Apparent from the Face of the Complaint?

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-06-27: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:02:11 The Virginia Model Jury Instructions for Defamation Lead to Bad Verdicts

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-06-06: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:58:00 The Elements of Defamation in Virginia

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-06-05: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:03:38 Just Because You Told The Truth Doesn’t Mean You Didn’t Slander Someone

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-05-26: Updated: 2015-05-26 06:29:40 Defamation Claim Against Maritime Lawyer Goes Forward

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-05-14: Updated: 2015-05-14 17:04:52 Can Government Employees Be Sued for Defamation?

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-04-27: Updated: 2015-04-27 16:00:50 D.C. Anti-SLAPP Statute Does Not Apply in Federal Court

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-04-13: Updated: 2018-02-15 12:47:50 Virginia’s Anti-SLAPP Statute

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-03-16: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:57:04 Make the Online Harassment Stop

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-02-02: Updated: 2015-02-02 06:51:32 Statements Truthful When Made Won’t Become Defamatory Later

by Lee E. Berlik

2015-01-19: Updated: 2017-11-29 16:02:05 The Statute of Limitations for Defamation Actions

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-12-13: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:38:30 Is it Slander to Call Someone a Liar?

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-11-24: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:56:04 Paul Brodeur’s Lawsuit Against Columbia Pictures

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-11-07: Updated: 2014-11-07 06:52:38 No Intra-Corporate Immunity Against Defamation Claims

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-10-22: Updated: 2014-10-22 08:38:27 The Benefits of Apologizing for Libel or Slander

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-09-15: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:29:47 Fresenius Medical Care Sued for Allegedly Defamatory Statements of Employee

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-08-29: Updated: 2014-08-29 16:51:59 One Yelp Review = One Publication

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-08-11: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:06:46 Familiar Rhetorical Devices May Not Carry Defamatory Meaning

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-07-29: Updated: 2018-04-22 16:12:57 Virginia Lawyer Says TV Report of Criminal Conviction Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-07-14: Updated: 2014-07-14 06:07:00 Forced Apology and Admission of Inappropriate Conduct Held Not Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-07-02: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:37:32 Anonymous Online Critic Will Remain Anonymous Absent Defamation

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-06-27: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:46:09 Defamatory and Scandalous Material as Grounds to Seal Record

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-05-17: Updated: 2016-10-31 09:25:40 To Sue or Not to Sue

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-05-13: Updated: 2014-05-13 06:45:22 Insurer’s Duty to Defend Held Triggered by Defamation Claim

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-04-21: Updated: 2014-04-21 12:33:23 Nude Model Not a Porn Star; Photo Altered to be Pornographic Defamatory Per Se

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-04-07: Updated: 2014-04-07 06:00:52 Ripoff Report Maintains Section 230 Immunity Despite Lawyer’s Novel Challenges

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-03-31: Updated: 2014-03-31 06:15:26 The Unintended Consequences of Filing a Lawsuit

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-02-17: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:44:58 Preliminary Injunctions Against Defamatory Speech Seldom Justified

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-02-10: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:08:44 Defamatory Sting

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-01-23: Updated: 2014-01-23 06:38:26 Absolute Judicial Privilege Extends Outside the Courtroom

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-01-20: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:43:57 How to Unmask Anonymous Yelp Reviewers Who Defame Your Business

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-01-10: Updated: 2014-01-10 15:51:33 Implication Not Defamatory if Not Reasonably Drawn

by Lee E. Berlik

2014-01-06: Updated: 2014-01-06 06:52:18 Defamed Business Entitled to Presumed Damages, But No Injunction

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-12-11: Updated: 2013-12-11 06:18:21 The Importance of Context

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-12-02: Updated: 2013-12-02 06:40:07 No Defamation Liability for Statements made to FBI During Background Check

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-11-25: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:10:47 Falsely Attributing Country of Origin Can Be Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-11-04: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:35:51 Why Suing Your Critics Is Not Always a Good Customer-Relations Strategy

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-11-01: Updated: 2013-11-01 17:24:58 SCoVA Clarifies Law of Qualified Privilege

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-10-28: Updated: 2013-10-28 06:28:34 Mere Suspicion of Negative Job Reference Insufficient to Support Defamation Claim

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-10-21: Updated: 2015-12-30 16:11:14 Defamation Claim Dismissed for Failure to Plead Exact Words

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-10-10: Updated: 2013-10-10 05:09:28 The Walls of a Church Do Not Shield a Tortfeasor from Defamation Liability

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-10-07: Updated: 2013-10-07 05:16:22 Yasser Abbas’ Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed on Anti-SLAPP Grounds

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-09-30: Updated: 2013-09-30 06:43:12 It’s Not About You: The “Of and Concerning” Element of Defamatory Meaning

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-09-09: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:32:03 “Actual Malice” Is Not Actually Malice

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-08-26: Updated: 2013-08-26 06:10:59 Reliance on Responsible Source Negates Actual Malice

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-08-19: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:29:19 Anti-SLAPP Law Will Not Immunize Every Statement About a Celebrity

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-08-09: Updated: 2013-08-09 08:03:24 Erasure Statutes Do Not Erase History

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-07-29: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:40:33 Mann’s Defamation Suit Survives Anti-SLAPP Motion

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-07-15: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:28:19 VitaminSpice CEO Files Libel Claim Against DealFlow Media

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-06-24: Updated: 2013-06-24 06:04:55 Pilot’s Defamation Case Goes to Supreme Court

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-06-13: Updated: 2013-06-13 06:14:12 Not Every Website Is Entitled to Section 230 Immunity

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-06-10: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:27:02 Lost Profits Caused by Defamation Must Be Proven with Competent Evidence

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-06-03: Updated: 2016-11-18 10:15:12 This Is Why Exact Words Must Be Pleaded

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-05-16: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:55:30 Injunctive Relief Unavailable for False Light Claim, Says Pennsylvania Court

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-05-01: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:55:01 Google Loath to Remove Content Claimed to Be Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-04-20: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:24:20 D.C. Defamation Case Filed Against Redskin Fred Davis

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-04-15: Updated: 2013-04-15 09:04:03 Overzealous Pleading Doesn’t Advance Your Cause

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-04-08: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:54:09 Federal Employees May Be Immune From Defamation Claims

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-04-02: Updated: 2015-10-26 20:09:41 Proving Malice in Defamation-By-Implication Cases

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-03-24: Updated: 2013-03-24 11:13:48 Unauthorized Product Placement: Defamation by Implication?

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-03-06: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:18:37 FTCA Bars Defamation Claims Against Federal Government

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-03-01: Updated: 2013-03-01 06:59:31 Fabricated Quotations Actionable if Harmful to Reputation

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-02-22: Updated: 2013-02-22 17:12:41 False Accusation of Sexual Aggressiveness Per Se Defamatory, Claims FBI Agent

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-02-10: Updated: 2016-05-16 16:39:52 Defamation of Character: Libel and Slander Law in Virginia

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-01-21: Updated: 2017-09-19 14:03:44 Are False Statements to the Police Immune from Defamation Claims?

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-01-09: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:31:47 Absence of Malice Presumed in Employment Context

by Lee E. Berlik

2013-01-07: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:36:26 Defamatory Yelp Review Damaging Your Business? Don’t Expect it to Come Down Any Time Soon.

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-12-21: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:19:20 Lawyer Claims Huffington Post Defamed Him By Attributing Controversial Article to Him

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-12-17: Updated: 2012-12-17 06:10:45 Internet Defamation Insufficient Basis for Personal Jurisdiction Against Colombia Company

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-12-10: Updated: 2012-12-10 06:19:44 Defamatory Statements to Credit Reporting Agencies Held Not Preempted by FCRA

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-12-05: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:26:51 How to Lose Your Defamation Case in Three Easy Steps

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-11-29: Updated: 2012-11-29 06:43:19 Statements Based on Undisputed Facts Cannot Be Made With Actual Malice

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-11-05: Updated: 2015-12-30 14:34:27 Government Defamation May Violate Civil Rights

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-11-02: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:51:37 D.C. Defamation Cases Continue to Meet Anti-SLAPP Statute

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-10-29: Updated: 2012-10-29 15:24:40 Summary Judgment Still Possible in Virginia State Court

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-10-28: Updated: 2012-10-28 09:09:45 Does D.C.’s Anti-SLAPP Statute Apply in Federal Court?

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-10-08: Updated: 2012-10-08 06:05:09 Defamation Case Against Eliot Spitzer and Slate Dismissed

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-09-19: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:14:10 Defamation Claims Require Proof of Fault

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-09-17: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:03:50 Punitive Damages in Libel Case Reduced by 75%

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-09-11: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:58:32 “Dirtiest Hotels” List is Rhetorical Hyperbole and Not Grounds for Defamation Action

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-09-07: Updated: 2015-10-26 17:25:39 Defamation in the Virginia Workplace

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-09-03: Updated: 2016-07-18 18:18:24 Fraud Accusations Prompt Michael Mann’s Lawyers to Threaten Litigation

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-08-31: Updated: 2015-12-18 13:01:27 Virginia’s Insulting-Words Statute

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-08-27: Updated: 2012-08-27 06:54:00 Section 230 Immunizes Users Who Link to Defamatory Statements of Others

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-08-23: Updated: 2012-08-23 19:37:57 Defamation By Implication Theory Prevents Dismissal of Art Analyst’s Case

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-08-13: Updated: 2012-08-13 11:38:11 Doctor’s Defamation Claim Reconsidered by Judge Roush

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-08-06: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:58:30 Target of Online Griping Files Defamation Action

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-07-30: Updated: 2018-02-15 12:47:04 Absolute Judicial Privilege Extends to Demand Letters Sent in Good Faith

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-07-22: Updated: 2018-04-22 16:11:53 No Defamation Claim for Medical Resident’s Poor Performance Evaluation

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-07-05: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:49:46 Court Excludes Unreliable Expert Testimony in Defamation Case

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-06-29: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:54:14 Breach of Non-Disparagement Agreement Leads to Defamation Claim

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-06-17: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:44:18 Lawyer Files Defamation Action Against Television Stations for Faulty Report

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-06-11: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:43:36 Virginia Law Firm’s Defamation Claim Dismissed As Opinion

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-06-04: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:37:55 Libel Case Filed by Laurie Fine Against ESPN

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-05-28: Updated: 2012-05-28 13:01:19 First Amendment Right to Anonymous Internet Speech Challenged by Florida Doctor

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-05-17: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:48:13 Defamation Claims Asserted by Church Against Former Members

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-05-12: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:47:46 D.C.’s Anti-SLAPP Act to Be Tested in Maddow Defamation Case

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-05-02: Updated: 2012-05-02 14:26:23 Public Figure Fails to Present Plausible Defamation Case

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-04-27: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:45:38 Defamed Lawyer and Wife Win $13.7 Million Against “Anonymous” Posters

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-04-23: Updated: 2012-04-23 06:31:07 Defamation Plaintiffs Must Plead Exact Words and Non-Privileged Publication

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-04-16: Updated: 2018-04-22 16:15:03 Middleburg Writer Dee Dee Hubbard Turns Tables On Accusers with Defamation Suit

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-04-14: Updated: 2018-06-16 12:32:59 Slander of Pilot by Airline Results in $1.4 Million in Damages

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-04-07: Updated: 2012-04-07 12:32:17 Defamation Case Against Barbara Walters Dismissed

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-03-30: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:28:07 Duck Creek Energy Says Fracking Accusations Defamatory

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-03-21: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:27:06 Defamation Per Se By Former Judge Yields $350,000 in Damages

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-03-14: Updated: 2015-10-26 15:33:56 Libel Per Se? Libel Per Quod? Neither, Says Virginia Court

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-02-27: Updated: 2015-10-26 13:50:43 Lawyer’s Tortious Interference Claim Against Former Lovers Dismissed

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-02-13: Updated: 2015-10-26 13:02:01 Defamation by Implication in Virginia

by Lee E. Berlik

2012-02-06: Updated: 2018-05-28 15:28:21 Jeremy Mayfield’s Defamation Claims Against NASCAR Heard on Appeal

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-06-10: Updated: 2015-12-18 11:56:28 Virginia Defamation Lawyer’s Arguments Rejected in Warren County

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-05-25: Updated: 2015-10-26 13:26:49 In Lawyer’s Defamation Action, Draft Complaint Afforded Absolute Privilege

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-04-21: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:04:10 Lawyer Review Leads to Defamation Lawsuit

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-02-19: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:33:44 Prominent Defamation Lawyers Pursue Sherrod’s Libel Case Against Breitbart

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-02-04: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:17:42 Defamation Lawsuit Exposes Redskins Owner to Ridicule

by Lee E. Berlik

2011-02-02: Updated: 2015-10-26 13:37:08 Virginia Supreme Court Declines to Set Aside Defamation Verdict Against County Administrator

by Lee E. Berlik

2010-11-15: Updated: 2015-10-26 13:42:45 Defamation Claim Against Virginia Lawyer Goes Forward

by Lee E. Berlik

2009-09-17: Updated: 2015-10-26 14:27:56 Pleading Defamation by an Employer in Virginia Isn’t Easy

by Lee E. Berlik

2009-09-02: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:38:19 Defamatory Forum Posts Held No Basis for Host Liability

by Lee E. Berlik

2009-05-23: Updated: 2015-12-18 12:02:14 Virginia Employers Not Liable for Defamation on “Self-Publication” Theory

by Lee E. Berlik

2009-04-22: Updated: 2017-11-17 11:44:51 Culpeper Cops Discover Sexting, Get Sued

by Lee E. Berlik