Do you know that in the face of the state each of us is decent and unblemished. The Constitution gives us the right of a good name, and until we are otherwise determined by the court, we are all conscientious citizens. However, as in all times, sometimes we encounter unpleasant phenomena that discredit a good name: slander and insult. About what it is, how these concepts differ and, most importantly, how to protect oneself from these unpleasant phenomena, you will learn from this article.
What is slander?
Imagine that you do not like a neighbor on the landing. To dislike you is her right, but her neighbor starts spreading rumors, when you hear that, you understand that the one is not just a bad character, but also an excellent fantasy directed into a dirty bed of lies. The slander of neighbors can turn out to be expensive: a silent boycott from other tenants or even eviction if the apartment is not your property.
As you have already understood, the main sign of defamation is deliberate dissemination of knowingly unreliable, false information that undermines the dignity and reputation of another person. And if other participants in the word-of-mouth radio transmitting false information do not suspect that the source is untrustworthy, then their actions will not be called slander. Only an insult ...
What is an insult?
Unlike defamation, an insult is a subjective evaluation of someone else's actions, expressed in a form that is offensive to you. For example, using profanity. The concepts of slander and lies are closely related, but in this case a person believes in what has been said. Another thing is that not all thoughts we have the right to voice with impunity. Attacking the honor and dignity of a person, even subjective assessment, though false information, you need to be prepared for administrative, and even criminal liability.
Punishment for libel and insult
Fortunately, faced with such phenomena as slander and insult, you can count on the protection of your good name by the state, because in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation there are two separate articles with the corresponding names: "Slander" (Article 129) and "Insult" (art. .130).
However, in order to receive compensation for moral damage (it is correctly called "harm") for slander, you still have to solve the case in a court of law. Moral harm is defined in Article 151 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, as physical and / or moral suffering in connection with violations of your rights. As for the amount of compensation for moral damage, it is determined arbitrarily by the court. In addition, since July 2012, slander has again become a criminal offense. The size of the fine and other sanctions depend on the type of slander:
- dissemination of knowingly false information that undermines the reputation of another person - a fine of up to 80 thousand rubles / in the amount of wages (or other income) for a period of up to six months / compulsory labor (120-180 hours) / correctional labor up to 12 months / restriction of freedom up to 12 months;
- libel publicly displayed in the media - fine up to 120 thousand rubles / in the amount of wages (or other income) for a period of up to one year / compulsory labor (180-240 hours) / corrective labor up to 24 months / restriction of freedom up to 24 months ./ arrest, up to 6 months;
- the libel associated with the accusation of the victim in the commission of a grave / especially grave crime - a fine of up to 300 thousand rubles / in the amount of wages (or other income) for up to two years / restriction of liberty to three years / arrest, up to 6 months / deprivation of liberty up to 3 years.
How to protect yourself from slander?
Unfortunately, very few of us, one way or another, were not slandered, and did not think about how to fight it. Before the fact
- do not give an excuse. Prevent the opportunity for gossip behind your back, directly explaining the unambiguous, in your opinion, situation;
- Take less participation in the discussion of other people and avoid communication with those who love gossip;
- make it clear that you are not going to become a victim of slander, reminding the slanderers of the Criminal Code. Let the gossips know that you are aware of how to protect yourself from slander.