Defamation Laws in California
How long you have to sue for libel or slander in California, and any retraction rules, from the state code.
Short answer: In California you must sue for libel or slander within 1 year from the date of injury. The same one-year deadline applies to both written and spoken defamation. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340(c); Judicial Branch of California Self-Help Guide, "Deadlines to sue someone"
| Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander) | In California you must sue for libel or slander within 1 year from the date of injury. The same one-year deadline applies to both written and spoken defamation. From the state courts' official self-help page; |
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FAQ
How long do you have to sue for defamation in California?
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.