Editing Defamation (section)

===Christianity===
{{see also |Canon law}}

[[Christianity|Christian]] [[religious text]]s (such as the [[Epistle of James]]{{snd}}full text on [[s:Bible (Douay-Rheims, Challoner)/James|Wikisource]]), [[catechism]]s (like the one commissioned by the [[Council of Trent]]{{snd}}see "[[s:The catechism of the Council of Trent/Part 3: The Eighth Commandment|The Eighth Commandment]]" from its [[Roman Catechism]]), and [[preacher]]s (like [[Jean-Baptiste Massillon]]{{snd}}see his [[sermon]] titled "[[s:Sermons (Massillon)/Sermon 6|On evil-speaking]]"), have argued against expressions (true and false) that can offend others.

[[Theology|Theologian]] and catechist [[Joseph Deharbe]], in [[s:A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion/Chap. II. The Ten Commandments of God|his interpretation of the Eighth Commandment]], gives practical advice to the [[Glossary of the Catholic Church|faithful]]: The commandment above all forbids giving [[false evidence]] in [[court]]. It is never lawful to tell a lie. In general, forbidden are [[lie]]s, [[hypocrisy]], detraction, calumny, slander, false [[wikt:suspicion|suspicion]], rash [[wikt:judgment|judgment]]; anything that can injure the honour or character of another. With two exceptions: for the good of the guilty, or when necessary to prevent a greater evil{{snd}}and then, only with [[charity (Christian virtue)|charitable]] intentions and without exaggerations.

The ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]'' has entries for two related concepts, detraction<ref>{{cite Catholic Encyclopedia |wstitle=Detraction |volume=4 |first=Joseph Francis |last=Delany}}</ref> and slander.<ref>{{cite Catholic Encyclopedia |wstitle=Slander |volume=14 |first=Joseph Francis |last=Delany}}</ref>

Defamation and calumny seem to be used as synonyms for slander.

====Detraction====
{{further |Detraction}}

The [[mortal sin]] of damaging another's good name, by revealing their faults or [[crime]]s (honestly believed real by the detractor). Contrasted with calumny, where the assertions are knowingly false.

The degree of sinfulness depends on the harm done, based on three things: 
* The criminality of the thing alleged
* The reputation of the detractor's [[trust (social science)|trustworthiness]]
* The dignity or [[wikt:esteem|esteem]] of the victim
A relatively small defect alleged against a person of eminent station (a [[bishop]] is given as example) might be a mortal sin. While an offence of considerable magnitude (drunkenness is given as example), attributed to a member of a [[social class]] in which such things frequently happen (a [[sailor]] is given as example), might constitute only a [[venial sin]].

If the victim has been publicly [[sentence (law)|sentenced]], or their misdeeds are already [[wikt:notorious|notorious]], it is [[wikt:lawful|lawful]] to refer to them{{snd}}unless the accused have [[wikt:reformed|reformed]], or their deeds have been forgotten. But this does not apply to particular communities (a [[college]] or [[monastery]] are given as examples), where it would be [[wikt:unlawful|unlawful]] to publish the fact outside said community. But even if the sin is not public, it may be revealed for the [[common good]], or for the benefit of the narrator, listener, or culprit.

The damage from failing to reveal another's sin must be balanced against the evil of {{sic |defamation |expected=detraction}}. No more than necessary should be exposed, and [[fraternal correction]] is preferable. [[Journalist]]s are allowed to criticize public officials. [[Historian]]s must be able to document the causes and connections of events, and strengthen public conscience.

Those who [[aiding and abetting|abet]] the [[principal (criminal law)|principal]]'s defamation, are also guilty. Detractors (or their [[wikt:heir|heirs]]) must provide restitution. They must restore the victim's [[wikt:fame|fame]] and pay them [[damages]]. According to the text, allegations cannot be taken back, reparation methods proposed by theologians are unsatisfactory, and the only way is finding the right occasion for a favourable characterization of the defamed.

====Slander====
Defined as attributing fault to another, when the slanderer knows they are [[innocence|innocent]]. It combines damaging another's reputation and lying.

According to the text, theologians say that the act of lying might not be grievous in itself, but advise mentioning it in [[confession]] to determine reparation methods. The important act is injuring a reputation (hence [[moralism|moralists]] do not consider slander distinct from detraction). The method of injury is negligible.

In a somewhat contradictory opinion, it is stated that there are circumstances where misdeeds can be lawfully exposed, but a lie is intrinsically [[evil]] and can never be justified.

Slander violates commutative justice, so the perpetrator must make [[restitution (theology)|restitution]]. [[Atonement]] seems achievable by [[wikt:retraction|retracting]] the false statement, which undoes the injury (even if this requires exposing the perpetrator as a liar). Compensation for the victim's losses may also be required.