Ave Defamation, Atque Vale Libel and Slander

Two recent decisions by the Maryland Court of Appeals have brought about substantial changes in the law of libel and slander. The author considers the consequences of these decisions, welcoming the abolition of certain distinctions between written and spoken defamation as well as the adoption of new rules pertaining to recoverable damages. The author, however, expresses reservations as to pronouncements in the decisions that purport to impose new burdens on the plaintiff to establish liability.