Defamation as a Civil Claim — a Handbook
A civil defamation case is built on four elements, and each of them is written in a separate norm of the Civil Code. First — the core of personal non-pecuniary rights: Article 18 establishes that a person has the right, through the court, to protect his honour, dignity, privacy, personal inviolability or business reputation from violation. Second — the defamation tort: Article 993 — a person who intentionally or negligently disseminates or publicises facts harmful to the property of another person is obliged to compensate the damage if the facts are evidently incorrect. Third — general fault: Article 992. Fourth — the consequences: moral damage and limitation — Articles 413 and 1008.