§ 659.1 Pleading
§ 659.2 Libel — retraction — actual damages
§ 659.3 Retraction — actual, special, and exemplary damages
§ 659.4 Candidate — retraction — time — imputing sexual misconduct
§ 659.5 Defamatory statement by radio
§ 659.6 Proof of malice

Terms Used In Iowa Code > Chapter 659 - Libel and Slander

  • Allegation: something that someone says happened.
  • 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.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • State: includes any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession subject to the legislative authority of the United States. See Iowa Code 633D.2