Massachusetts law about defamation

Laws, cases, and web sources on libel and slander law.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance.

Massachusetts laws

MGL c. 218, § 21 Small claims court does not have jurisdiction over cases of slander and libel

MGL c. 231, §§ 91-94 Evidence in libel and slander

MGL c. 258, § 10(c) Exempts defamations claims from Massachusetts Tort Claims Act

3 years  Statute of limitations

MGL c. 260, § 4  Statute of limitations. Actions for slander or libel "shall be commenced only within three years next after the cause of action accrues."

Selected cases

Selected court cases on defamation

Web sources

Defamation: common defenses (MA), Westlaw Practical Law. Available upon request.
Addresses common defenses and arguments that defendants may raise when seeking to dismiss or oppose defamation claims (including libel and slander) under Massachusetts law. 

Defamation law made simple, Nolo.com.
Learn the basics of slander and libel. 

Defamation, libel and slander, FindLaw.com.
Good general introduction to the topic. Includes additional articles about the history behind defamation, the different elements of libel and slander, types of defenses, and more.

Libel and slander, USLegal.com.
Description of history, privileges, defenses, and statutes of limitations. Has a FAQ link.

Print sources

Business torts in Massachusetts, 2^nd ed., MCLE, loose-leaf.
Chapter 9: Defamation, commercial disparagement, and false advertising.

Chapter 93A rights and remedies by Roger Bertling, 6^th ed., MCLE, 2025.
Section 8.2.1(p): Defamation, libel, and slander; Section 8.3.7(c): Defamation.

Massachusetts Practice: 

• vol. 10 (Procedural forms annotated), 6^th ed. West, 2009 with supplement, Chapter 28
• vol. 14D Summary of basic law, 5^th ed., Thomson Reuters, 2014 with supplement, Sections 16.225 and 16.231
• vol. 37 (Tort law), 3^rd ed. Thomson/West, 2005 with supplement, Chapter 7
• vol. 43 (Prima facie case: Proof and defense), 5^th ed. West Pub., 2005 with supplement, Chapter 43

Massachusetts Superior Court civil practice jury instructions, 3^rd ed., MCLE, loose-leaf.
Chapter 6: Defamation.

Massachusetts tort law manual, 3^rd ed., MCLE, loose-leaf.
Chapter 7: Defamation.

Last updated:	March 17, 2025