What Is the Statute of Limitations for Defamation in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for defamation is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 28-3-104(a)(1), 28-3-103.
Defamation Deadlines in Tennessee
How long do you have to file a defamation claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for defamation is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 28-3-104(a)(1), 28-3-103. The full rule is: 1 Year (6 months for slander).
When does the clock start for defamation in Tennessee?
One year for libel — but only six months for slander, which is the shortest civil filing period in the register.
Can the Tennessee deadline for defamation be extended?
Tennessee is one of very few states that splits written and spoken defamation into different periods. Six months for spoken words under § 28-3-103 is easy to miss entirely. Confirm which form the statement took before assuming a year.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Tennessee?
Often, yes. Suit within 12 months under the GTLA under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-20-305. The Governmental Tort Liability Act requires suit within twelve months after the cause of action arises. Because the ordinary personal-injury period in Tennessee is already only one year, the GTLA deadline does not shorten it the way it does in most states — b…
How does Tennessee compare to other states for defamation?
Tennessee's 1 year is among the shortest in the country. Across the 48 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for defamation ranges from 1 year to 3 years, and 1 year is the most common. Compare all states →
What Does Defamation Cover?
Situations that typically fall under the defamation deadline in Tennessee:
