information:filtering, structural:expansion, stylistic:tone, structural:reformatting
Defamation is a communication that injures a third party's reputation and causes a legally redressable injury. The precise legal definition of defamation varies from country to country. It is not necessarily restricted to making assertions that are falsifiable, and can extend to concepts that are more abstract than reputation – like dignity and honour. In the English-speaking world, the law of defamation traditionally distinguishes between libel and slander. It is treated as a civil wrong, as a criminal offence, or both. Defamation and related laws can encompass a variety of acts:
  - Defamation against a legal person in general
  - Insult against a legal person in general
  - Acts against public officials
  - Acts against state institutions
  - Acts against state symbols
  - Acts against the state itself
  - Acts against heads of state
  - Acts against religions (blasphemy)
  - Acts against the judiciary or legislature