Indiana Code > Title 34 > Article 15 – Causes of Action: Defamation, Libel, and Slander


Chapter 1	Pleadings in Actions for Libel or Slander
Chapter 2	Standard of Proof in Actions for Libel or Slander
Chapter 3	Defamation Actions Against Radio and Television Broadcasters
Chapter 4	Defamation Actions Against Newspaper Publishers
Chapter 5	Actions for Certain False Charges

Allegation: something that someone says happened.
Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
in writing: include printing, lithographing, or other mode of representing words and letters. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
Year: means a calendar year, unless otherwise expressed. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5