Editing Defamation (section)

====Slander====
{{further |he:הוצאת שם רע}}

Defined as "false and malicious defamation" ([[circular definition]]) of another's reputation and character, disgracing them in their [[community]]. Here, it is distinguished from ''leshon hara'' by being deliberately false. Punishments include [[fine (penalty)|fines]] and [[damages]].

According to the authors, the [[Law of Moses]] prescribed [[flagellation]] and monetary compensation for a [[husband]] who, without reasonable cause, questioned the [[virginity]] of his newly married wife; and divorce was disallowed (similarly with calumny). The article notes that after the destruction of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], these laws prescribing fines and [[capital punishment]] ceased.

Rabbinical [[wikt:enactment|enactment]]s 	against slander are described as very stringent. Abusive language might have been exempt from any [[legal liability]], unless it was considered slander (against both the living and the deceased). Fines and [[excommunication]] were a possibility. But [[fasting]] and [[wikt:apology|apology]] also seemed to be acceptable [[atonement]]s.