Defamation Laws in Connecticut
How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Connecticut, and any retraction rules, from the state code.
Short answer: In Connecticut you must sue for libel or slander within two years from the date of the act complained of. The same two-year deadline applies to both written (libel) and spoken (slander) defamation. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-597
| Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander) | In Connecticut you must sue for libel or slander within two years from the date of the act complained of. The same two-year deadline applies to both written (libel) and spoken (slander) defamation. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-597 |
|---|---|
| Retraction (correction) rules | Connecticut has a retraction rule for libel. Unless the plaintiff proves actual malice ("malice in fact") or shows that the defendant was asked in writing to retract the libelous charge, in as public a manner as it was made, and failed to do so within a reasonable time, the plaintiff can recover only the actual damages they specially alleged and proved. The defendant may also offer proof of intention. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-237 |
More Connecticut personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Connecticut
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Connecticut
- Car Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Dog Bite Liability in Connecticut
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Connecticut
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Truck Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Construction Site Injuries in Connecticut
- All Connecticut personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
How long do you have to sue for defamation in Connecticut?
Does Connecticut have a defamation retraction law?
Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.
How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources
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.