Defamation Laws in Arkansas
How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Arkansas, and any retraction rules, from the state code.
Short answer: Arkansas sets different deadlines for spoken and written defamation. A lawsuit for slander ("words spoken slandering the character of another") must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-104(3), 16-56-105(5) (secondary source: public copy of the state code; check the official code)
| Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander) | Arkansas sets different deadlines for spoken and written defamation. A lawsuit for slander ("words spoken slandering the character of another") must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues. A lawsuit for libel must be filed within three years. Read on codes.findlaw.com (a public copy of the official code); check against the official code. Page marked current as of March 28, 2024; Libel: https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-16-practice-procedure-and-courts/ar-code-sect-16-56-105/ Source: Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-104(3), 16-56-105(5) (secondary source: public copy of the state code; check the official code) |
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FAQ
How long do you have to sue for defamation in Arkansas?
Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.