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Defamation Laws in Colorado

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Colorado, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Colorado, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year. The one-year period begins when the person knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, both of the injury and that it was caused by the defendant's statement, and each separate publication is a separate… C.R.S. §§ 13-80-103(1)(a), 13-80-108(1), as stated in Colorado Model Civil Jury Instruction 22:23 (Source and Authority)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)In Colorado, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year. The one-year period begins when the person knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, both of the injury and that it was caused by the defendant's statement, and each separate publication is a separate claim.
Source: C.R.S. §§ 13-80-103(1)(a), 13-80-108(1), as stated in Colorado Model Civil Jury Instruction 22:23 (Source and Authority)

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Colorado?
In Colorado, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year. The one-year period begins when the person knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, both of the injury and that it was caused by the defendant's statement, and each separate publication is a separate claim.

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.